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MEMOIR 



IBH^o S.MS'iSIilL] IlIEIS)ISllSr< 



.^ 



BY £1. O. COGSIVEIX. 




\ 



BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED BY CROCKER & BREWSTER, 

47 Washington Street. 

1842. 



F4-4- 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1842, 

BY E. C. COGSWELL, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of N. H. 



Printed by A. Prescoit, > 
Gilmanton, N. H. > 



TO 

CHRISTIAN PASTORS 

THIS MEMOIR 

OF AN EMINENTLY DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SERVANT 
OF GOD, IS RESPECTFULLY AND AFFEC- 
TIONATELY DEDICATED 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



VI PREFACE. 

tirement. The few scraps which have been 
found are deeply interesting, and must serve 
as a key to his whole character ; yet a 
knowledge of the feehngs of his soul during 
the successive days of bis long and eventful 
life, would now be highly gratifying. But 
incessantly engaged in active labors, he was 
compelled to speak, rather than write, the 
sentiments of his heart. 

His correspondence also was limited, his 
letters generally being of a confidential 
character, so that few have been inserted 
entire and but few extracts made. 

The brief extracts v/hich are given from 
his sermons, though highly interesting, must 
fail to do him justice. They need the spar- 
kle of his eye, his gushing tears and melt- 
ings of soul. 

The likeness prefixed to the volume has 
been procured at great expense, the minia- 



PREFACE. Vll 

ture being first painted from a profile view 
and verbal representations. The task was 
difficult, but the result happy, though the 
picture is not in all respects perfect. The 
execution, however, both of the painting 
and engraving, is fine and in most respects 
strikingly conforms to the original. 

If the jierusal of the following pages shall 
afford the reader as much pleasure as the 
writer has experienced in composing them, 
his object will be obtained. The work was 
not undertaken with the expectation of reap- 
ing pecuniary reward or literary applause, 
the Author being conscious that the state of 
moneyed affairs would not warrant the for- 
mer, nor his abilities the latter. 

This memoir is a grateful and affectionate 
tribute to the memory of a universally be- 
loved, faithful and humble servant of Christ, 
whose " name is still like a sweet savor 



VlJl PREFACE. 

among the people of God." It is now com- 
mended to the candor of the virtuous with 
the devout hope, that it may conduce to 
their spiritual benefit and with humble pray- 
er to Almighty God, that He would smile 
on the feeble effort of the Author and cause 
it to advance the glory of his great Name. 
Gilmanton, May, 1842. 



^ 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth — Parentage — Early thirst for knowledge — 
Bound as an apprentice — Youthful ardor — Leaves his 
master — Enlists in tiie Army — Returns home — Enlists 
again — Stillwater — White Plains — Measles — Enlists 
again — War-song — Enlists as a Privateer, - - 17 

CHAPTER II. 

Goes to Gilmanton — Teaches school — Rev. Mr. 
Smith — Visits Dartmouth College — Prepares for Col- 
lege — Religious impressions — Conversion — Humility 
— Industry — Testimony of President Wheelock — Pe- 
cuniary anxiety — Elasticity of mind — Reliance on God 
—Christian boldness—Donaiions — Graduates - 39 

CHAPTER III. 

Tamworth — Charter — First Family — Second — 
White inhabitants — Their hardships — Scarcity of 



XII CONTENTS. 

bread — Wild animals — Sickness — Enterprise — Inter- 
est in Religion — Petition — Participation in the War 
— Interest in Education 64 

CHAPTER IV. 

Mr. Hidden returns to Gilmanton — Studies Theolo- 
gy — State of his mind — Doctrine of Free Grace — Ex- 
tract of Mr. Smith's letter — Licensed — Call — Arrives 
atTamworth — First Sabbath — Simplicity of the peo- 
ple — Proposals for settlement — Accepts — Greatly 
beloved 77 

CHAPTER V. 

The day of his ordination — Great Rock — The 

Council — Church formed — Controversy Proceed 

to the ordination — Extracts from letters — First church 
meeting — The Sacrament — His marriage — Inter- 
course with his people — Meeting-house Prayer- 
meeting — Revival 96 

CHAPTER VI. 



Revival — Extract of a letter — Change in his salary 
- — Missionary tour — Revivals — Spotted fever — Cold 
seasons — His interest in the sufferers - ■ - 121 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

CHAPTER VII. 

Revivals — Protracted meetings — His influence — Os- 
sipee — Sandwich -...----... 143 

CHAPTER VIII. 

His interest in education — Knowledge of the clas- 
sics — His interest in the young — His patriotism — 
Benevolence — Familiarity with others — Cheerful- 
ness - -- 174 

CHAPTER IX. 

His labors — Devotions — Writings — As a Speak- 
er 211 

CHAPTER X. 

His family — Letters — Strong faith — Interest in 
the cause of temperance — His social character — Let- 
ters 240 

CHAPTER XI. 

Retrospect — His illness — Triumphant death 283 
Appendix 326 



MEMOIR. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth — Parentage — Early thirst for knowl- 
edge — Bound as an apprentice — Youth- 
ful ardour — Leaves his master — Enlists 
in the Army — Returns home — Enlists 
again — Stillwater — TMiite Plains — 
Measles — Enlists again — War song — 
Enlists as a Privateer. 

Samuel Hidden, the subject of the fol- 
lowing sketch, was born at Rowley, Essex 
County, Massachusetts, on the 22d day of 
February, 1760. 

He was the son of Price and Eunice Hid- 
den, formerly Eunice Hodgskin, whose child- 
ren were Samuel, the subject of this memoir 
Mehitable, married to Mr. James Burnham 
of Manchester, Ms., Eunice, married to Mr* 



18 MEMOIR OF 

William Clark, formerly of Beverly, Mass., 
afterwards removed to Tamworth ; Mrs. 
Clark is still living in Bangor, Me.; Martha, 
married to Mr. Joseph Kilborne of Rowley, 
Ms., William Price, now living in Tamworth, 
Betsey and Jonathan, who died young, and 
Ephraim, who lived in Tamworth, and was 
drowned in Bearcamp river, 1824. 

His father was by trade a Combmaker, 
and in indigent circumstances. His mother 
was a pious woman and early taught him 
the Assembly's Catechism and various parts 
of the Scriptures, the historical portions of 
which he read, when even a child, with great 
interest. He early discovered a strong de- 
sire for learning and improved every oppor- 
tunity for acquiring a knowledge of those 
branches of English education then taught 
in common schools. 

At the age of nine years, he was bound 
to an Inn keeper, who was also a shoemaker 
by trade, as an apprentice. He was found 
very adroit in dealing out liquors and in at- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 19 

tending to his master's interest. His master 
was an austere, avaricious man, and afforded 
him but few opportunities for mental im- 
provement, and often required of him the 
labor of a man. 

Samuel was of a sanguine temperament 
and lively imagination. He early laid plans 
foi- future greatness, and gave intimations to 
his master that he was not always to be un- 
der his control. 

The country was new and far-reaching in 
every direction.. The spirit of enterprise 
was widely diffused. Adventure was abroad, 
and he who would, might make ^fortune. 
Besides, his chivalrous soul was animated 
with tales of valor. The ocean was infest- 
ed with pirates and the Indians made depre- 
dations upon the frontiers. The marines 
were victorious and the militia were success- 
ful. His mind was ardent, bold. He long- 
ed for freedom. The confinement of the 
shop and bar ill suited his active tempera- 
ment. He resolved to seek his fortune far 



20 MEMOIR Oi* 

from the scenes of his childhood, but was 
prevented by the vigilance of his master and 
the tender advice of his mother. He felt 
bound to obey his parents in all things, and 
a sense of his obligation to them was a 
strong restraint upon his youthful passions. 
The controversy between the colonies 
and England arising, confinement was insuf- 
ferable. B}^ the old militia law, every male 
inhabitant, from sixteen years old to sixty, 
was obliged to be provided with a musket 
and bayonet, knapsack, cartridge-box, one 
pound of powder, and twenty bullets and 
twelve flints. In time of peace, these re- 
quisitions were neglected, and the people in 
general were not completely furnished. 
Young Hidden entreated his master, at the 
age of fifteen, to procure him the above 
mentioned materials for service. Being re- 
fused, he determined to procure them for 
himself and by extra labor obtained means 
for purchasing them. He immediately 
showed them to his master, saying, " What 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 21 

I have earned I can use. This shall make 
the British dogs howl." That enthusiastic 
patriotism which elevates the soul above all 
considerations of interest or danger had now 
become his ruling passion. 

The year 1775, was the commencement 
of that struggle which resulted in the inde- 
pendence of the Colonies. The country 
was alive with the bustle of preparation, and 
in every countenance could be read the ex- 
pectation of important transactions in which 
all must participate. Independent compa- 
nies were formed ; voluntary trainings were 
frequent ; the old and the young, the rich 
and the poor devoted their hours of amuse^ 
ment and of leisure, to exercises calculated 
to fit them to act a part in the anticipated 
conflict. 

None manifested greater zeal than young 
Hidden. He had now arrived at the age of 
sixteen. The whole country was in arms. 
Charlestown was in ashes and the Battle of 
Bunker's Hill had been faught ; the north* 



22 MEMOIR OF 

ern frontier was awake to liberty ; the brave 
and generous Montgomery had fallen and 
disasters continued to discourage. But there 
was no hope of reconciliation. The last 
humble petition of Congress to the king had 
been presented ; but their petitions had been 
slighted ; their remonstrances had produced 
additional violence and insult ; their suppli- 
cations had been disregarded ; and they had 
been spurned, with contempt, from the foot 
of the throne. ' They had done every 
thing that could be done, to avert the storm 
which was coming on. And now an appeal 
to arms, and to the God of hosts, was all 
that was left them. They felt that there 
was a just God, who presides over the des- 
tinies of nations, and who would raise up 
friends to fight their battles for them. That 
the battle was not to the strong alone ; but 
to the vigilant, the active, the brave.' Thus 
circumstanced, the famous Declaration of 
Independence was unanimously adopted in 
Congress on the 4th of July, 1776, and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 23 

welcomed by the people with joy which was 
displayed by extraordinary public festivals. 
The watch word from Maine to Georgia, was 
" Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, 
I give my hand and my heart to this Dec- 
laration." Every man was ready to say 
with the patriotic John Adams, " All that I 
have, and all that I am, and all that I hope, 
in this life, I am now ready to stake upon it. 
It is my living sentiment, and by the bless- 
ing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment ; 
independence now ; and independence for- 
ever /" 

While such was the feeling in the com- 
munity generally, no wonder young Hidden 
burned with patriotic zeal and resolved to 
glory in the success of his country or die in 
her defeat. He frankly communicated to 
his master his resolution to leave him and 
fight for his bleeding country. " To deal 
out your liquors while others are dealing out 
their blood for freedom is ignominious," 
said he to his master who, at length finding 



24 MEMOIR OF 

that the spirit of his apprentice was indomi- 
table, unawed by threatenings and unseduc- 
ed by promises, gave his reluctant consent. 

Thus relieved from bondage he returned 
to his parents and found them in great need 
of his assistance. On leaving his master 
he had resolved to enter the army immedi- 
ately, but finding his parents destitute of the 
comforts of life, brothers and sisters crying 
for bread, he changed his plans and hired 
with a man in his native town for six dollars 
per month, and expended his wages for corn 
at one dollar and fifty cents per bushel to 
support the family. In the winter he labor- 
ed at shoe-making for the same wages and 
for the same object. 

In May, 1777, at the age of seventeen, he 
enlisted under Captain Johnson of Andover, 
Massachusetts, whose father then command- 
ed the regiment. He enlisted in this com- 
pany of militia to serve two months. They 
forthwith marched to Bristol, Rhode Island. 

disaster had followed the American army 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 25 

and reduced its number. But the brilliant 
victories gained by Washington, at Trenton 
and Princeton, raised from the lowest de- 
pression, the spirits of the American people, 
and many rallied around the standard of 
Washington. 

The company in which young Hidden 
enlisted consisted of volunteers resoh^ed on 
liberty or death. But as the seat of the 
war was now removed to the south of Rhode 
Island, they were not forced into any action 
with the enemy, and orders were issued to 
Col. Johnson to march with his regiment to 
Bennington, Vt. to join that portion of the 
army under Gen. Stark. 

As Mr. Hidden's time of service for 
which he enlisted had expired he returned 
to Rowley ; but as inactivity ill suited his 
nature, within four days of his return, he 
again enlisted under Captain Benjamin Ad- 
ams of Rowley, in the same Col. Johnson's 
regiment, for four months. 

The British were now concentratin«: a 



36 MEMOIR OF 

large force about Lake Cbamplain, and 
Burgoyne with his army was at Fort Ed- 
ward which General Schuylor had just 
evacuated. The American General, before 
leaving Fort Edward, issued a proclamation 
calling to his aid the militia of New-Eng- 
land and New- York. Aroused by the dan- 
ger multitudes obeyed his call. " Vermont 
poured forth her daring Green Mountain 
boys ; the other States of New-England their 
hardy yeomanry, ardent in the cause of 
freedom ; New- York, her valiant sons indig- 
nant at the invasion of her territory, and 
determined to protect their property from 
pillage and destruction. These beset the 
invaders on every side, impeding their pas- 
sage, cutting off their supplies, and fatigu- 
ing them by incessant attacks." Thus cir- 
cumstanced, Burgoyne dispatched Colonel 
Baum with five hundred Hessians to seize the 
stores of provision at Bennington. With 
this detachment. General Stark with a par- 
ty of New-Hampshire militia, fought a fierce 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 27 

and sanguinary battle on the 16th of Au- 
gust, most of whom he either killed or took 
prisoners. The prisoners he immediately 
sent to Boston, whom Mr. Hidden on his 
march to Bennington met at Northampton. 

This decisive victory diffused confidence 
and joy. The friends of independence, be- 
fore depressed by disaster and defeat, were 
now animated by the prospect, which sud- 
denly burst upon them, of a glorious victory 
over an arrogant and once dreaded enemy. 
Again crowds of militia flocked to] the re- 
publican camp. 

The company in which Mr. Hidden en- 
listed arrived at Bennington ; thence march- 
ed to Manchester, where General Warner 
took the command of the Brigade. From 
Manchester they marched to Powlet and 
joined Gen. St. Clair's division ; thence to 
Castleton ; thence to Hubbardton ; thence 
to Mount Independence, which is situated 
on the strait through which the waters of 
Lake George and East Bay flow into Lake 



28 MEMOIR OF 

Champlain, in the north west part of the 
town of Orwell, m Rutland County, Vt., 
and opposite Ticonderoga. A vigorous 
attack was made upon the fort in which, Mr. 
Hidden bore his share of toil and suffering. 
He remained here five days, and then they 
returned to the head of the Lake by water. 
They arrived at Stillwater on the 6th of 
October, where Gen. Gates with Generals 
Lincoln and Arnold had advanced. Bur- 
goyne on the 17th of September, encamp- 
ed near the American army. He was daily 
puting his army into a more hazardous sit- 
uation ; and it was determined that no ex- 
ertion be wanting on the part of Americans 
to complete the ruin of his boasted enter- 
prise. 

On the ISth of September, the first bat- 
tle of Stillwater was fought. Both armies 
fought with determined resolution. Night 
put an end to the conflict. 

Burgoyne pressed on all sides, resolved on 
another battle. He made dispositions to 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 29 

commence the action with the right wing 
of his army, Gen. Gates made a sudden and 
vigorous attack upon the left. This battle 
X\^as furious, obstinate, and more bloody than 
the other. Toward night the British gave 
way. Darkness put an end to this action. 
Gen. Gates endeavoring to surround Bur- 
goyne, the latter retreated to the bights of 
Saratoga pursued by the Americans. The 
situation of the British troops was now dis- 
tressing in the extreme, and Burgoyne, by 
the unanimous advice of his principal ofR-* 
cers on the 1 7th of October, surrendered 
his whole army prisoners of war. During 
one of these battles Adjutant Simpson, fa- 
ther of Judge Simpson of New-Hampton, 
receiving a bullet near his eye fell into the 
arms of Mr. Hidden, and by him with the 
aid of others was carried from the field of 
battle. 

Immediately after the surrender of Bur- 
goyne's army, the regiment in which Mr. 
Hidden served, with others marched to Al- 



30 MEMOIR OF 

bany. They performed a march of forty 
miles, and forded the Mohawk river, below 
the falls, in the space of fourteen hours., 
The design of this rapid movement was to. 
check the progress of a detachment, com- 
manded by the British General Clintoa ;; 
who threatened Albany with the same de- 
struction which he had spread in the coiMitry 
below; but on hearing the fate of Bur- 
goyne, he returned quietly to New- York. 

Finding that the enemy had departed 
Johnson's regiment proceeded to Newburgh, 
thence to Tarry Town by water, and thence 
to White Plains where Mr. Hidden was 
seized with the measles. The season was 
now inclement and he was thinly clad, and 
sometimes obliged to sleep on the earth with 
only a blanket for protection. Thus ex- 
posed he narrowly escaped death. Frosm 
the effects of the measles he never entirely 
recovered. He lost in some measure the 
use of his limbs. He received all the at- 
tention it was possible to bestow under such 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 31 

circumstances. He had greatly endeared 
himself to his comrades in arms as well as 
to his commanders. He was young, but 
bold. No danger could intimidate. He was 
fearless in battle and fought for liberty as 
for life. But when sickness visited him he 
felt the need of some friendly voice to cheer 
and some kind hand to assist. A mother's 
voice would then have sounded like music^ 
and her presence been like an angel's visit. 
This was the first time he had longed for 
" sweet home." The stirring scenes of the 
camp and battle field had given him no time 
to think of the past. The present and the 
future absorbed his mind. 

Remaining here a few days, and the time 
for which he enlisted having expired, he, 
with most of the company in which he 
served, returned home the last of November, 
feeble and suffering with hunger. He re- 
mained in Rowley, laboring to support his 
father's family during the following winter 
and spring of 1778. Count D'Estinghav- 



•52 MEMOIR OF 

ing arrived with a French fleet to co-operate 
with the American army, it was resolved to 
regain those posts in Rhode Island then oc- 
cupied by the British. Gen. Sullivan was 
appointed to conduct the operations, who 
called upon the militia of New-England, to 
aid him in the enterprise. His army soon 
amounted to ten thousand men. 

Mr. Hidden could not remain at home 
while others fought. In July, 1778, he 
again enlisted in Captain Jonathan Kortus' 
company in Col. Wade's regiment for four 
months, and immediately marched to Rhode 
Island. At Providence, he met the conti- 
nental troops with Gens. Sullivan, LaFay- 
ette. Glover and Green. On the ninth of 
August, General Sullivan commenced the 
siege of Newport. But unsupported by the 
fleet, by an unforseen event, he was obliged 
to withdraw, after several skirmishes and the 
loss of some men. 

Col. Wade's regiment spent the rest of 
the four months in East Greenwich and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 33 

North Kingston. Mr. Hidden then return- 
ed and labored with Mr. William Price of 
Newburyport, to pay him a debt of his fath- 
er's amounting to about one hundred dollars. 
He continued here two years, until 1781. 

jDuring this period, notwithstanding the 
stirring scenes of war, and the necessity of 
constant toil when at home, he did not neg- 
lect mental culture. He had improved ev- 
ery opportunity for acquiring the rudiments 
of the English language. He usually spent 
his evenings and sometimes entire nio;hts in 
die study of the natural sciences and read- 
ing history. He gave much attention to 
vocal and instrumental music. He read with 
deep interest poetry which so well suited 
his lively imagination. 

In the spring of 1781, he resolved again 
to enlist in his country's cause. Ships own- 
ed and manned by private individuals were 
commissioned by the States to seize the 
vessels of the British, and thus annoy their 
commerce. In one of these vessels he re* 
3 



34 MEMOIR OF 

solved to ship. The spirit which animated 
his youthful breast may be best perceived 
by the perusal of a " War Song/' written 
by him just before leaving on this expedition, 
and dedicated to Miss Betsey Price, his 
cousin, afterwards wife. 

A WAR SONG. 

Come all ye sons of temptest sted, come hark to war's 

alarm ; 
Leave sports and plays and holidays, and hark away 

to arms ; 
A soldier is a gentleman, his honor is his life, 
And he that won't stand by his post, will ne'er stand 

by his wife. 

For love and honor are the same or else so well allied, 
That neither can exist alone, but flourish side by side; 
So fare ye well sweet-hearts awhile, ye smiling girls 

adieu, 
And when we have drove those dogs away, we'll kiss 

it out with you. 

The spring is up, the winter's gone, the fields are 

green and gay, 
And all inviting honor calls, away my boys, away; 
To shady tents by cooling streams with hearts so firm 

and free, 
We'll toss the cares of life away, in songs of liberty. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 35 

No foreign king shall give us laws nor British tyrants 

reign, 
For independence made us free, and independence 

we'll maintain ; 
We'll charge our foes from post to post, attack their 

work and lines, 
Or by some well laid stratagem, we'll make them all 

Burgoynes. 

And when the wars are over, boys, then down we'll 

sit at ease ; 
We'll plow, we'll sow, we'll reap, we'll mow and live 

just as we please, 
Each hearty lad shall take his lass, all shining like . a 

star. 
And in her softer arms, forget the dangers of the war. 

The rising world shall eing of us a thousand years to 

come. 
And to their children's children tell the wonders we 

have done ; 
Come honest fellows here's my hand, my heart, my 

very soul, 
With all the songs of liberty, good fortune and the 

bowl. 

He enlisted to serve on board the ship, 
Pilgrim, commanded by Captain Robinson, 
carrying eighteen nine pounders and one 



36 MEMOIR OF 

hundred and thirty men, commissioned by 
the State of Massachusetts for eight months. 
This vessel sailed from Beverly, and in a 
few days fell in with the British Brig, Alfred^ 
having sixteen guns and forty -one men, from 
Liverpool. 

The action was commenced on the part 
of the Americans, and met with great obsti- 
nacy on the part of the British. After a 
struggle of one hour and a half, the British 
Brig surrendered and was sent into Salem. 
Mr. Hidden was sent in with the prize, 
though the Pilgrim continued on the ocean 
the time for which it was commissioned, and 
was successful in several encounters. A 
share of all the prizes he drew according to 
the regulations of such v^essels. 

On the 18th of October, Cornwallis sur- 
rendered to Gen. Washington. The joy of 
the people at this intelligence was unbound- 
ed. ^ To the Giver of all good, they united 
in rendering, with grateful hearts, thanks- 
giving and praise for the decisive victory 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 37 

which he had enabled them to gain. From 
the nature and duration of the contest, the 
affections of many had been so concentrated 
upon their country, and so intense was their 
interest in its fate, that the news of this 
brilhant success produced the most raptur* 
ous emotion.' Early in the spring of 1782, 
pacific overtures were rnade to the Ameri^ 
can government, and both nations desisted 
from hostile measures. 

The prosperity of the country began to 
i*evive. Industry every where prevailed. 
The young and the old addressed themselves 
to the cultivation of the soil, and to 
gaining a livelihood by other means of in- 
dustry. 

Hitherto Mr. Hidden had labored exclu- 
sively for the support of his father's family, 
and the freedom of his country. He had 
bared his bosom to the dangers of a sangui- 
nary war the most unnatural in the annals 
of civilized nations, and prosecuted with a 
barbarity on the part of the British most re« 



38 MEMOIR OF 

volting to humanity. But the hardships of 
war were at an end, peace and contentment 
pervaded the people. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 39 



CHAPTER II. 

Goes to Gilmanton — Teaches school — Rev, 
Mr. Smith — Visits Dartmouth College — 
Prepares for College — Religious impres- 
sions — Conversion — Humility — Industry 
— Testimony of President JVheelock — 
Pecuniary anxiety — Elasticity of mind 
— Reliance on God — Christian boldness 
— Donations — Graduates, 

In 1783, Mr. Hidden went to Gilmanton, 
New-Hampshire, and labored with Mr. 
William Price, teaching school for the first 
time during the winter. Notwithstanding 
the nature of his employment and the un- 
remitted attention to labor, his inextinguish- 
able thirst for knowledge had led him to 
qualify himself to teach in all those branches 
o[ English education then usually taught. 



40 MEMOIR OF 

He possessed a vigorous intellect. Without 
an instructor, and with means the common- 
est and rudest, he had become a prodigy as 
a '^ school master. ^^ He greatly signalized 
himself in this occupation. While teach- 
ing day schools he also taught vocal music 
in which he was without a rival in all that 
region. He moreover often recited to Rev. 
Mr. Smith, pastor of the Congregational 
church in Gilmanton ; often walking five 
miles for this purpose. He at once won 
the esteem of his teacher, He soon became 
acquainted with the families of Hons. Jo- 
seph Badger and Thomas Cogswell, also 
Gen. Joseph Badger, Jr. He taught schools 
in their sections of the town ; also in their 
houses and boarded in their families. They 
deemed him a young man of a high order 
of intellect and worthy esteem. He 
was familiar with the history of the country, 
ready to communicate, pleasing in manners, 
kind, cheerful, enterprising, and promised 
to niake a man of eminence. They con* 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 41 

sidered liim a valuable appendage to iheir 
families, and so completely captivated were 
tliey as to deem him indispensable to their 
enjoyment. The social visit was insipid 
without his conversation to enliven and his 
voice to cheer. He gave life to every en- 
terprise. Their children were his pupils 
and companions. They relieved his wants 
and encouraged him in his employment. 

He was unwearied in acts of kindness to 
his parents, his brothers and sisters. The 
avails of his industry were cheerfully devot- 
ed to their comfort. Self was always for- 
gotten when others needed. 

Thus he continued to teach mostly in 
Gilmanton, sometimes in other towns. In 
1785, he was employed to teach at Gilman- 
ton Centre. He resided in the family of 
Gen. Joseph Badger, Junior, having for his 
pupil and bed-fellow, William Badger, late 
Governor of New-Hampshire. When the 
school-money was expended they obtained 



42 MEMOIR OF 

private schools. He also continued to teacli 
with great success vocal music. 

During this time, he was induced by Rev. 
Mr. Smith, to attend Commencement at 
Dartmouth College. This College com- 
menced its operations in 1770, the first Com- 
mencement being held the following year. 
A deep interest w-as felt in its success 
throughout the country. President Whee- 
lock, its founder, had wisely conducted its 
concerns and it was beginning to exert ex- 
tensive influence in the cause of education 
and piety. It was natural that any young 
man of promising talents should be advised 
to obtain a liberal education, and that many 
should be disposed to assist such young men 
as could be spared ; for at this time they 
were few. As often as Mr. Smith sufjgest- 
ed this course, Mr. Hidden remarked, there 
were insuperable obstacles. He felt that 
he was too far advanced in years and desti- 
tute of the requisite means of support. 
The former objection iMr. Smith could easi- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 43 

ly remove by referring to himself as having 
commenced study preparatory for college at 
an advanced age, and the latter appeared 
less formidable from the consideration that 
he had wealthy friends in Gilmanton, who 
would render aid. 

He had often in imagination visited Dart- 
mouth College in the forest and acted a 
prominent part, but these were only castles 
in the air that soon vanished. He now em- 
braced an opportunity in company with Mr. 
Smith, Mr. Eliphalet Wood of Loudon, Mr. 
William Price and others, to visit this loved 
retreat and witness the exercises of the Com- 
mencement season. 

A Commencement at College is admirably 
adapted to awaken the latent energies of the 
youthful mind. The sparkling eye, the 
flush of youth, the countenance radiant with 
joy, the bosom swelling with bright hopes, 
the last greetings of classmates, the severing 
of thousand ties, the tender meltings of 
heart at leaving their Alma Mater, stir the 



44 MEMOIR OF 

soul and provoke strong aspirations for a 
participation in like scenes. 

A mind like his must be deeply moved. 
Naturally fond of learning and of ardent feel- 
ings, laudably ambitious, active and ardent, 
he returned resolved on his subsequent 
course. He was delighted with what his 
eye had seen and his ear heard. He soon 
entered upon the study of the classics with 
Mr. Smith, continuing in the mean time to 
teach. He recited once a week regularly. 
By his kind disposition, familiar manner of 
communication and acquired knowledge of 
the common branches of education, acquired 
by redeeming t^me, he became a highly pop- 
ular teacher. 

In this employment he took great delight. 
He spared no labor to prove useful to his 
pupils. Besides the usual instruction he 
formed a company of militia of young men, 
whom he taught tactics. Many of these 
now survive and remember him with the 
liveliest emotions. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 45 

His progress in the study of the classics 
Was very rapid, and in September of 1787, 
he entered Dartmouth Colleo-e, a2;ed twen- 
ty-seven, having spent less than one year's 
study in his preparatory course. He left a 
large circle of warm friends who wished 
him success and promised to welcome his 
return. He carried with him his shoe mak- 
ing instruments expecting by them to sup- 
port himself in College in a great measure. 
He is related to have expressed the most 
enthusiastic joy on being presented, just be- 
fore leaving Gilmanton, with several new 
knives and awls by Gen. Badger, Junior, 
which he procured at Portsmouth, and a 
large quantity of bristles given him by his 
pupils. It might have been foreseen from 
Mr. Hidden's earliest displays of character, 
that he was formed to be an instrument of 
extensive evil or of eminent good. ' There 
was a decision — a daring — an untameablc- 
ness in the structure of his mind even when 
a boy, combined with a tone of authority 



46 MEMOIR OF 

and command, and a talent in the exercise 
of these quahties, to which the minds of his 
associates yielded an implicit subjection. 
Fear of consequences never entered into his 
view. Opposition, especially if accompa- 
nied by any thing like severity or oppression, 
awakened unrelenting resistance. Yet this 
bold and untameable spirit was allied to a 
noble and generous disposition. There was 
a magnificence in his mind. His mind was 
too noble, to have recourse to other means 
or to aim at other ends, than those which 
he avowed ; and too intrepid not to avow 
those which he did entertain, so far as might 
be required or expedient. Notwithstanding 
this trait of character, he possessed a deep 
sympathy-^a sympathy which sprung less 
from that softness and sensibility which are 
the ornament of the female, than from the 
generosity of his disposition. He would 
have all men happy, and it gratified his 
generous nature to ease the burdens of sufFer- 
Of his religious impressions we 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 47 

have DOt hitherto spoken. Being early 
taught the Scriptures of truth and educated 
according to the customs of the Pilsfrims, 
he was early the subject of religious impres- 
sions. Conscience was often alarmed. A- 
midst the scenes of the camp and battle 
field he never forgot the presence of God. 
He remarked that he always uttered men- 
tally the Lord's prayer as he engaged with 
the enemy. While at Gilmanton, he was 
by all considered a strictly moral man, and 
by many pious, though he made no profes- 
sion of religion. Such was the state of hi? 
mind that he always felt it his duty to pray 
morning and evening in his schools. He 
habituated himself to secret prayer. He 
was sometimes deeply affected in view of 
his lost condition as a sinner. He was like 
the young man in the gospel nigh to the 
kingdom of Godj but refused to enter. 

When he entered College, as he often re- 
marked, he '• hoped he should become pi- 
ous." He felt called by a voice within to 



48 MEMOIR OF 

do good. He resolved eventually to conse- 
crate the powers of his mind to the service 
of Christ. But so prone is man to defer 
the work of repentance, he did not become 
pious until his Sophomore year in College, 
uniting with the church at Hanover, June 
i^O, 1790. A revival was then enjoyed in 
that institution, and he surrendered his heart 
to Christ and enlisted all the energies of his 
soul in the cause of his Redeemer.* His 

* Rev. Ebenezer Price of Boscawen, his brotlier-in- 
law, and three years companion in College, supposes 
him to have been pious previous to his entrance into 
College. After speaking of the motive which induced 
him to obtain a liberal education, he remarks : '• This 
opinion, however, supposes a change of heart ; when 
that change took place, I have not had the means of 
knowing. It is true, he made public profession of re- 
ligion after he entered College. Audit is also true, 
that he had for years previous to his College life, in 
the view of his intimate friends sustained not anly a 
fair moral character, but furnished strong evidences of 
Christian feeling and conduct. That was done by hia 
uniform attachment to the institutions and truths of 
the gospel — by his constant and conscientious? attend- 
ance upon sanctuary worship as he had opportunity — '■ 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 49 

spiritual joy was unbounded though he was 
humbled in the dust. His humility was a 

by his veneration of the truly religions and his delight 
in their company. Furthermore, from the commence- 
ment of his school keeping, he invariably began and 
ended each day with prayer ; and as occasion requir- 
ed he conversed in school and in young company upon 
the subject of religion, administering Christian re- 
proof when called for with faithfulness and aflection ; 
leaving the impression upon young and old, that he 
was in the sincerity of his heart the fritnd of God. 

I therefore suppose, my view of Mr. Hidden is vir- 
tually the same with that of his numerous friends at 
Gilmanton, that he had experienced the renewing 
grace of God years before entering College ; but then 
in the revival his hope was confirmed and his duty so 
forcibly impressed that he could no longer refrain from 
uniting with the church of Christ. Though associated 
with the most pious and engaged Christians in and out 
of College, he was essentially the same thoughtful, cir- 
cumspect man of God, who had for years been our 
companion and friend. 

I will but add, that this last thought sufliciently ex- 
hibits the exalted motire which fixed his choice and 
made intense labor easy in securing a College educa- 
cation, viz. the ministry of reconciliation." 

The above is confirmed by several letters written 
before he entered College, which hovrever were un^ 

4 



50 MEMOIR OF 

prominent characteristic. * It was not that 
humihty which debases itself that it may be 
exalted, and which is offended if its profes- 
sions be believed ; but the humility which 
arose from abiding and growing conviction 
of his infinite distance from the standard of 
perfection, from God, and a neglect of those 
means which he had enjoyed for approach- 
ing that standard. It led him to feel dissat- 
isfied with every thing he had done and to 
feel his own insignificance in comparison 
with others. It led him to acknowledge 
the worth of others.' He had an unfeira- 

o 

ed regard for worth wherever it was found. 
He loved whatever God had made. 

After his conversion he immediately re- 
solved to devote himself to the Christian 
ministry. He grew rapidly in grace and in 
the knowledtre of God. All the feelings of 
his nature were enlisted in the work of sav- 

derstood to have been written as mere literary efforts. 
It is certain that he had no confidence in any hope en- 
tertained previous to liis Sophomore year in College. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 51 

iiig men. He exhorted, with great ferven- 
cy, his former associates and acquaintances, 
to embrace that Saviour now so precious to 
his soul. 

On entering College he was almost desti- 
tute of money. He devoted every leisure 
moment to shoemaking and teaching vocal 
music. Hitherto the science of music had 
been greatly neglected in that institution. 
In fact no singing school had ever been 
taught in that place. His musical talents 
soon gained him much notoriety. He was 
immediately employed to impart instruction 
and was thereby enabled to defray a part of 
his expenses. 

President Wheelock one day found him 
making a pair of shoes. At which Mr. Hid- 
den discovered some little mortification. 
But the President told him he had no occa- 
sion to be disconcerted, and that for the fu- 
ture he would employ him to supply him- 
self and family. Being thus encouraged he 



52 MEMOtR OF 

no longer worked clandestinly : but labored 
whenever opportunity was presented. 

He would often labor while his classmates 
slept. When reading was his business some 
classmate would read aloud while he worked. 
This was done partly because, sometimes he 
could earn a little thereby and at others be- 
cause he could benefit some indigent class- 
mate, or friend, by thus working for him 
with the awl and hammer while he read au- 
dibly for his benefit. Many an hour did he 
thus benevolently labor. Benevolence gave 
character to his every action. 

At the commencement of his second year, 
he and Mr. Ebenezer Price of Gilmanton, 
then about to enter College, afterwards set- 
tled in Boscawen, drove a cow to Hanover, 
subsisting upon milk on their journey thither 
and when there. This lessened their expen- 
ses and was considered highly commenda- 
ble. 

He often received valuable donations from 
friends in money and clothing. Visiting 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 53 

some acquaintances in Exeter during a vaca- 
tion, a gentleman with whom he tarried ask-r 
ed him the evening before leaving for Dart- 
mouth College, if he would carry a large 
pack upon his back to Hanover if he would 
present him one ? Mr. Hidden assured him 
he should be grateful for any thing he might 
give. The next morning the gentleman car- 
ried him in his carriage to Brentwood, and 
gave him a large pack of clothes which he 
did not examine until he arrived at Hanover. 
On opening it, to his great joy he found three 
suits of clothes but little worn, and many 
other valuable articles. Calling to his room 
some of his fellow students in as needy cirr 
cumstances as himself, he generously distribr 
uted a large share of his goods to them 
Freely receiving he freely gave. He often 
remarked that this bundle of clothing, 
though it cost him much labor to carry it 
upon his back so far, " was the most gratify- 
ing gift he ever received, for it relieved the 
pecessities of so fnany." 



54 MEMOIR OF 

He was also allowed to be absent occa- 
sionally to teach. The following I shall 
here insert not only to substantiate this fact, 
but to show in what estimation he was held 
by the President of the College. 

" This certifies, that the bearer, Samuel 
Hidden, is a member in regular standing 
with the Junior Class of this University. 
He is a young gentleman of talents, of un» 
blemished moral character, and of respecta- 
ble acquirements in literature for his station. 
As his circumstances render it necessary for 
him to be absent a few months ; and to un- 
dertake in the instruction of a school during 
that time, he is hereby most sincerely and 
cheerfully recommended for that employ- 
ment to the friendly notice and considera- 
tion of the wise and good. 

Given under my hand at Dartmouth, he. 
this 14th day of July, 1790. 

J. Wheelock, President^' 

Thus it is obvious he sustained a fair rep- 
utation for scholarship and was highly 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 55 

esteemed. It may naturally be asked how 
he so well sustained himself as a scholar, or 
how his mental habits, and especially the 
rapidity of his intellectual operations, can be 
accounted for. ' A partial answer may be 
found in the fact that his time was divided 
between labor and study. And moreover 
whatever might be his employment he en- 
gaged in it with cheerfulness and prosecuted 
it with fidelity. The ruling passion of his 
soul was thirst for knowledge. This he 
sought to quench, or rather to cherish, by 
resorting to his book at every interval from 
toil, however short, when he tasked his 
mind to the utmost of his power, intent on 
making the greatest possible acquisition in 
a given time. His mind, though strung up 
to the highest pitch of exertion at those 
seasons, suffered no injury thereby, as it was 
soon diverted from its employment by a call 
to labor ; and every repetition of the pro- 
cess extended its capability and power. 
The acquisitions, in this way obtained, fur- 



56 MEMOIR OF 

nished materials on which to employ his 
thoughts while engaged in manual labor, 
which he would not fail to digest and lay 
up in store for future use, — a voluntary dis- 
cipline of most auspicious influence, as it 
respects the faculty of acquiring knowledge, 
and the power of retaining it.' Thus his 
intellectual powers acquired unusual vigor 
and elasticity. He possessed a wonderful 
versatility of mind. These characterized 
him in subsequent life. 

He often remarked that his pecuniary em- 
barrassments occasioned him great anxiety, 
so much as at times unfit him for study. It 
was not so popular then for young men to 
live on cred^it as now. This destructive 
practice was then but little known, and we 
would it never had been ; for it crushes the 
intellect and blunts the moral feelings. Of 
all the galling miseries that a young man of 
sensibilities is heir to, the most intolerable, 
the most debasing, the most corroding to the 
jieart, the most destructive to the mind, is 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 57 

the consciousness of debt without the means 
of payment. ' Oh ! what days of humilia- 
tion, what nights of nervous wakefulness, or 
else of dreaming horror does he abide on whoso 
oppressed spirit, is laid the load of payments 
he cannot meet, of obligations he cannot 
cancel. For him, though the sun shines 
abroad, there is no beauty in his beams. 
The earth is clothed with verdure, and a 
thousand odorous flowers are scattered in his 
path. He heeds them not ; their perfume is 
wasted on him. The moon rides in liquid 
lustre, and the myriad stars break forth in 
light, and the whole heaven is clothed with 
exceeding glory ; but there is darkness iu 
his soul no light can penetrate — a grief at 
his heart, no beauties of nature can assuage. 
His energies are dead ; they fester beneath 
the pall of despair.' No, there is no killing 
like that of consciousness of inability to 
meet demands. 

Notwithstanding to endure this be a pain- 
ful and bitter task, ' it has sometimes hs re- 



58 MEMOIR or 

demption. There are some whom the light- 
ning of fortune blasts, only to render holy. 
Amidst all that humbles and scathes — 
amidst all that shatters from their life its ver- 
dure, smites to the dust the pomp and sum- 
mit of their pride, and in the very heart of 
existence writes a sudden and " strange de- 
feature," they stand erect, riven, not up- 
rooted, a monument less of pity than of 
awe. There are those who, exalted by a 
spirit above all casualty and wo, seem to 
throw over the most degrading circumstan- 
ces a halo of an innate and consecrating 
power ; the very things, which seen alone 
are despicable and vile, associated with them, 
become almost venerable and divine ; and 
some portion, however dim and feeble, of 
that intense holiness which, in the Infant 
God, shed majesty over the manger and the 
straw^, is not denied to those who, in the 
depth of affliction, cherish the angel virtue 
at their hearts, and fling over the meanest lo- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 59 

calities of earth an emination from the glo- 
ry of heaven.' 

It is in this latter condition, Mr. Hidden 
presents himself. His mind was elastic. It 
could not be wholly crushed. It dispersed 
the clouds, and, like the sun, when the fog is 
past, was stronger in its course and more 
piercing in its rays. 

" The beings of the mind are not of clay ; 
Essentially immortal they create, 
And multiply in us a brighter ray 
And more beloved existence." 

Though he was at times depressed, his 
energies rallied. He raised his eye to 
heaven, and saw the hand of God in his 
affliction. He rose in the native dignity of 
man and felt that, if he were depressed with 
poverty whose iron hand laid rudely and 
heavily upon him, he might take courage. 
Mighty ones had been his predecessors and 
had withstood the current of opposition that 
threatened to overthrow their frail bark. 

He had a practical reliance on Provi- 



so MEMOIR OF 

dence in all the most minute and seemingly 
indifferent affairs of his life. He was em- 
phatically, to use his own expression, " a 
pupil of signs" — ' waiting for and follow- 
ing the leadings and openings of divine 
providence in his affairs. His faith in God 
was unwavering. This divine principle 
quite realized and substantiated to him the 
things which are not seen and eternal. It 
was like another sense. The things of time 
were nothing. Every thing that came be- 
fore him was referred to a spiritual standard. 
His one great object was fixed, and this ob^ 
ject engrossed his whole soul. Here his 
foot stood immovable, as on a rock. His 
hold on the truths of the Scriptures was so 
firm, that he acted on them boldly and un- 
reservedly. He went all lengths, and risk- 
ed all consequences, on the word and prom- 
ise of God.' He had no misgivings. 

He had resolved to consecrate all he pos- 
sessed to the service of Christ. Therefore 
poverty could not intimidate him, ^ The 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 61 

world in arms would not have appalled him, 
while the glory of Christ was in view. 
Nor would he have hesitated for a moment, 
after he had given to nature her just tribute 
of feeling and of tears, to go forth from his 
friends and join " the noble army of mar- 
tyrs" who expired in the flames, had the 
honor of his Master called him to this sac- 
rifice ; nor would his knees have trembled, 
nor his look changed.' 

Thus relying upon God for support, and 
resolved to do his will, he visited Gilmanton. 
just before graduating, destitute of money 
and poorly clad besides being to some ex- 
tent in debt. He was about to return, and, 
being at Gen. Badger's, the elder, who said 
to him, " Samuel, where do you expect to 
obtain your guinea ?" which was then the 
fee for Diploma ; " I do not know, sir," 
he replied. The General then requested 
his daughter *' to bring from the desk a 
guinea for Samuel to pay the President for 
his Diploma." 



6:2 MEMOIR OF 

Immediately after, calling at the house of 
the Hon. Thomas Cogswell, the Judge said 
to him, " Well Samuel you are about to 
graduate and I. suppose you will have some 
small bills to pay ; perhaps this won't do 
you any hurt," and put into his hands twen- 
ty dollars. 

He was also presented by Mrs. Cogs- 
well, Smith and Badger, wife of the younger 
Badger, with a suit of new clothes and val- 
uable linens suitable for Commencement. 
Thus he returned to receive the honors of 
the College, laden with the rich experience 
of God's goodness. These expressions of 
kindness awakened the liveliest gratitude to 
the Giver of every mercy and tended to 
strengthen his faith in his promises. 

He graduated August •24th, 1791, full of 
zeal in his Master's cause. His bosom 
swelled with hope ; his heart beat high. It 
is true College life is a little ' dream of hu- 
man passions and human infirmity to many 
voun": men. It is the same eternal tract of 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 63 

disappointment, over which folly vaults and 
ambition staggers — a record of youthful 
happiness written on a summer's leaf, it 
glitters for a moment and iiides away be- 
neath the spirit which freshens it into beau- 
ty. It is a miniature arena in which human 
life first disports its vices, its hopes, and its 
imaginings — and if no other knowledge be 
acquired, the collegian can look with pride 
on his acquaintance with the world, its fol- 
lies and its pleasures, and hug to his bosom 
that kernel of truth which has been wrest- 
ed from the hard husks of disappointment.' 
But it had been more than this to him. He 
had learned to look far down into his own 
heart. He had learned the chief end of 
life. College life had been to him no youth- 
ful dream but a reality, stern yet joyful. 
He had struggled with poverty ; yet he had 
been made rich. God had wonderfully pro- 
vided for his wants and crowned his efforts 
with great success. He resolved that God 
should have all the glory. 



64 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER III. 

Tmmvo rth — Charter — First family — Sec- 
ond — White inhabitants — Their hard- 
ships — Scarcity of bread — Wild animals 
— Sickness — Enterprise — Interest in re- 
ligion — Petition — Partcipation in the 
War — Interest in Education. 

As the history of Tamworth is identified 
with that of Mr. Hidden after his settlement, 
a sketch of its early incidents seems indispen- 
sable ; and though it be local in its nature, 
it cannot fail to interest the general reader. 

The charter of Tamworth was granted 
1766, under the Provincial government, in 
the sixth year of " the reign" of Gov. Ben- 
ning Wentworth, under George the Third. 
Col. Jonathan Moulton was the original 
Proprietor of the town, he having presented 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 65 

Gov. Wentworth with the names of fifty- 
two men who were the Grantees. " One 
share," or four hundred and fifty acres, was 
reserved for the Governor — " One share for 
the Society for the propagation of the gos^ 
pel in foreign parts ;" " One share for the 
Church of England ;" " One share for the 
first settled minister of the gospel ; and an* 
other for the benefit of a school "in said 
town forever." 

The town, owing to the difficulties of the 
times, however, was not settled until 1776, 
the first town meeting being held on the 
second day of July, 1777. At which meet- 
ing Ephraim Hackett was chosen Modera- 
tor, Timothy Header Town Clerk, John 
Fowler, Bradbury Jewell and William 
Eastman Selectmen. Other town officers 
were also chosen. This meeting was held 
at the dwelling house of Mr. Ephraim Hack- 
ett. 

The first family of whom the whites had 
any knowledge was that of one Sabatis, an 



66 MEMOIR OF 

Indian, having a wife and five children. 
He was known to men in Sandwich and 
Mouhonborough, and gave a flattering des- 
cription of this then unexplored tract of land. 

The second family was half Indian — the 
mother being a native of Canterbury, whose 
aifectionshad been won by the dusky inhab- 
itant of the forest. Her name is now forgot- 
ten, but it is remembered to have been relat- 
ed that she possessed a tall, elegant figure, 
dark eyes and unrivalled beauty of expres- 
sion. Though strenuously opposed by 
her fond parents, she resolved to link her 
destiny with one who loved to wander 
amidst the solemn grandeur of nature. This 
family pitched their tent on the land near 
where Nath'el Hubbard's house now stands. 
They there planted apple seeds from which 
several trees sprang, two or three of which 
are now living 

There were other Indians in various parts 
of the town of whom nothing is definitely 
known ; as soon however as settlements 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 67 

were made by white men most of them to- 
gether with the two families above mention-r 
ed removed to the Androscoggin River. 

The first white man who settled in this 
town was Mr. Mark Jewell, (1772) whose 
father resided in Sandwich. He settled on 
what is now called Stevenson's Hill, remov- 
ing about six years after to what is called 
Birch Interval. Mr. Jewell is now living 
(1842) in comparatively good health, aged 
about 89. His mental faculties retain an 
unusual degree of vigor. He was married 
to Ruth Vittum of Sandwich, 1776, by 
Esquire Beedy. Soon after Mr. Jewell's 
settlement in Tam worth, he was followed 
by his brother, Bradbury Jewell and Mr. Da^ 
vid Philbrick, the latter of whom was killed 
by the fall of a tree, leaving a wife and six 
children to mourn his loss. He settled on 
what is called the River road. About this 
lime several other families settled near Bear- 
camp River and in various other parts of 
the town* 



68 MEMOIR OF 

Thus the town wds settled by a few har- 
dy pioneers. The families were few and 
remote from each other. Their sufferings 
were indescribable. They lived in contin- 
ual anxiety. The Indian lurked in every 
hiding place ready to wreak his revenge on 
the helpless and unoffending. The land 
was pathless — they found their way from 
one settlement to another by spotted trees^ 
over steep hills and almost impassable 
swamps. The only road into the town was 
through Sandwich and Moultonborough ; 
thence to Tuftonborough and Dover. They 
were obliged to perform the labor now as- 
signed the ox and the horse, for these were 
rarely seen. The land was covered w4th a 
growth of sturdy trees. The winters were 
long and severe ; the snows fell in great 
quantities and the frost came early to blast 
the fruits of their labor. 

Their corn thus cut off, they were obhg- 
ed to procure provisions at great expense 
and at a great distance. They often car- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 69 

ried on their backs, or on hand sleighs, com 
and other grains from GiUnanton and Can- 
terbury. One man, unable to procure bread 
for his wife and seven children, and believ> 
ing they must perish with hunger, left home 
in pursuit of com, resolving that he would 
never return destitute. He could not sec 
the wife of his bosom and children of his 
warm affections, die with famine. As he 
left, he gave them a warm embrace, saying 
that " God would provide." He arrived at 
Gilmanton, wearied and oppressed, destitute 
of money and means of obtaining food for 
his perishing family. But through the kind* 
ness of friends he was provided with two 
bushels of com with which he returned with 
incredible speed. He found his family all 
alive but suffering with excruciating hunger. 
They found access to the contents of the 
bag and attempted to supply the demands 
of nature with the dry meal. Often were 
families reduced to live on the smallest allow- 
aaqe of bread and lay down at night desiring 



to MEMOIR OF 

death. One woman, having put her child^ 
ren into their beds, went to her neighbor, 
Col. Mason, and said, " I have put my 
children to bed to die ;" but God preserved 
them. 

In addition to this they were in constant 
fear of ferocious beasts. The wolf prowled 
about their dwellings by night ; the cata- 
mount watched for prey ; the wild-cat lurk- 
ed by the foot path and the bear watched 
in the thicket. Domestic animals were 
seized— children terrified and mothers driv- 
en frantic. 

Moreover, sickness prevailed ; the mother 
might be seen watching by the bedside of 
the sick by day and by night and at last 
closing the eyes of a beloved son, or dutiful 
daughter ; single families performing the 
last sad offices to the dead with none to 
mingle a tear, or sooth the anguish of be- 
reavement. 

Notwithstanding all these embarrassments, 
the hardy sons of Tamworth stood, like the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 71 

trees of centuries that overshadowed them, 
shaken, but not uprooted. They braved ev- 
ery danger ; endured every hardship, rely- 
ing on the God of their life. " Stern men 
were they and true." They never lost sight 
of their great interests : the trees were fell- 
ed ; roads were early constructed, and 
bridges built. As early as Jan. 24, 1778, 
at a Town Meeting it was voted to build 
two bridges over Bearcamp river ; one at 
the easterly end of the town and the other 
at the west. A committee was- chosen to 
carry into effect this vote, also solicit " the 
Proprietor's assistance therein." 

These men, having early known the val- 
ue of the gospel, earnestly desired the stated 
means of grace. Up to 1778, they had 
enjoyed preaching occasionally. Rev. Josh- 
ua Nickerson from Cape Cod was the first 
man who preached north of the Lake Win- 
nepisiogee. He preached in Moultonbo- 
rough, Sandwich and Tamworth. He iden- 
tified himself with no sect, but was esteem- 



72 MEMOIR OF 

ed a very pious man. He was of great 
service to the early inhabitants in sustaining 
a lively interest in the cause of religion. It 
would seem that he had designed to be set- 
tled as the first Minister of the town ; since 
an article was inserted in the warrant for the 
annual Town Meeting in 1778, " to see if 
the town would settle Joshua Nickerson as 
Minister of the town, or otherwise employ 
him." But they unanimously refused to 
settle or in any way employ him. The 
following petition to the Proprietor drawn 
up at this meeting will show the true state 
of their feelings. After some preliminary 
remarks, the petition proceeds thus : 

" The Petition of the Inhabitants of said 
Tam worth humbly showeth, that we, your 
Petitioners, ever since our settlement have 
here had in view the settlement of the Gos- 
pel Ministry among us whenever our cir- 
cumstances and the situation of the Town 
would admit of it. But our own inability 
and fewness in number, which we impute to 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 73 

the difficulties of the times, have hitherto 
prevented our obtaining any regular preach- 
ing of the Gospel among us. The same 
difficulties remaining will doubtless prevent 
our immediate increase, so that we cannot 
expect a settled Ministry, at least till the 
War subsides ; yet as it is our duty howev- 
er small in number, or embarrassed with the 
cares of life, not to sink into a supine state 
in respect to the means of Religion, so we 
have a sincere desire to make all the provi- 
sion, in our power for hiring of preaching 
here for a season, and beg leave to lay our 
circumstances before you and beg you would 
consider our peculiar situation and incapac- 
ity of ourselves to provide a preacher for 
any term of time, and pray your kind help 
and donation towards hiring preaching for 
any time you may think proper ; at the 
same time assuring you we shall ever be 
ready to aid and assist in the accomplish- 
ment of the full and regular settlement of 



74 MEMOIR OF 

your Township. And your Petitioners as 
in duty bound, shall ever pray." 

The above petition was favorably receiv- 
ed, but. owing to the peculiar circumstances 
of the times, they failed to procure preaching 
for many years. The War with England 
then prevailed and men's hearts failed them, 
for fear of those things about to come upon 
them. The town was frequently called up- 
on to furnish its quota of men for the conti- 
nental Army, which occasioned great dis- 
tress among the inhabitants. In 1777, four 
men enlisted. Mr. Moses Head was the first. 
He left a wife and several children to pro- 
vide for themselves. As he was going out 
of the town he called on Col. Mason and 
with great agitation said to him, " Sir, I have 
taken the last look of my dear wife and 
children ; I go to die for my country dearer 
than all else. I pray you be kind to them." 
He soon fell a victim to the merciless tyran- 
ny of England. In the same year Abial 
and Phineas Stevens and Isaac Head enlisted 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 75 

and died in the cause of their bleeding coun- 
try. Others after having fought for liberty 
returned to the bosom of their families to en- 
joy the fruits of their toils. 

Under the pressure of all these calamities 
they did not neglect the education of their 
children. These were taught by their moth- 
ers at the fireside. The Catechism was ear- 
ly committed to memory as well as portions 
of the sacred Scriptures. They were 
taught to respect their superiors and to rev- 
erence God. They availed themselves of 
such other instruction as could be obtained. 
As early as 1782, at a Town Meeting it 
was voted to build two school houses — one 
near where Mr. Jabez Page's house now 
stands, and the other near the house of Mr. 
Henry Remick. The first school master 
was Elijah Hutchinson of Gilmanton. Af- 
ter this period school houses were rapidly 
multiplied, the population and prosperity of 
the town having greatly increased, though 



76 MEMOIR OF 

as late as 1778, only twenty-two votes were 
cast for Governor. 

Between 1778 and 1786, the town took 
no public measures to procure the stated 
preaching of the gospel. But March 4th, 
1783, it was " voted to raise fifteen pounds 
for preaching some part of the year," 
though in November of the same year, it 
was " voted not to raise said sum." Two 
years after, March 10th, 1789, it was " voted 
to raise twenty pounds for preaching to be 
paid in produce." But it does not appear 
that any money was ever directly raised for 
preaching until 1792. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 77 



CHAPTER IV. 

Mr. Hidden returns to Gilmanton — Studied 
Theology — State of his mind — Doctrine 
of Free Grace — Extract of Mr. SmitKs 
letter — Licensed — Call — Arrives at 
Tamworth — First Sahhath — Simplicity 
of the people — Proposals for settlement — 
Accepts — Greatly beloved. 

Having taken his degree of Bachelor of 
Arts, August 24, 1791, at Dartmouth Col- 
lege, Mr. Hidden returned to Gilmanton and 
immediately entered upon the study of The- 
ology with Rev. Isaac Smith, his former in- 
structor. This opened to his mind a new- 
field of thought and investigation. He pros- 
ecuted this study with his characteristic vig- 
or. He grasped subjects most abstruse and 
difficult with an energy that astonished his 



78 MEMOIR OF 

teacher. Doctrines which others could un- 
derstand only by close investigation he un- 
derstood almost by intuition and was able to 
explain difficult points with great perspic- 
uity. 

The state of his mind on entering the 
study of Theology may be best learned from 
a scrap of his own writings. 

" Sept. 1691. I have now commenced 
the study of Theology. And what a study ! 
I tremble at the thought ! Shall I so vile 
and unworthy attempt to find out God, — his 
character and attributes ? Is not the thought 
rash ? Forgive me, gracious God. I pros- 
trate my soul before thee, humbled in the 
dust ! If Moses trembled well may I ! 
Yet thou dost condescend to let thy charac- 
ter be known. Oh what condescension ! 
Jesus, this is for thy sake. Thou hast made 
it consistent for God to reveal himself in 
mercy. Oh what a debt of gratitude I owe 
thee. I give myself to thee. Accept me 
all unworthy. Teach me the path of duty* 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 79 

Enlighten my understanding. Humble my 
heart. Make me just what thou wouldest 
have me to be, and I will praise thy name ; 
I will speak of thy truth ; ' I will teach 
transgressors thy ways and sinners shall be 
converted unto thee.' I will never attempt 
to investigate any subject until I have im- 
plored thy aid. I will not lean upon my 
own strength ; for I have none. I will ev- 
ery morning and evening enter my closet 
and hold communion with thee. Every 
hour will I bless thee. Jesus, Jesus, guide 
me. Uphold me lest I M\ ! Let me not 
be presumptuous." 

The above gives us an insight into the se- 
cret of his heart. It shows the overflowings 
of a soul " humbled into the dust ;" his 
strong aspirations for a close and more inti- 
mate walk with Christ, and for the assistance 
of the Holy Spirit. 

Another scrap is found bearing date, De- 
cember. Nothing more is known of the 
time when it was written : but it would seem 



80 MEMOIR OF 

probable that it was written December, 
1791. 

'' December. I have just been examining 
the Doctrine of Free Grace. Never did it 
appear in so clear a light. I see through it 
now. And what a glorious doctrine ! Glo- 
rious in God, but humiliating to man ! Is man 
so fallen ! Has he stooped so low ! Yes, 
blessed Jesus ! And thou hast raised him 
up ! Oh, what love ! Angels, proclaim it. 
Chant it, ye celestial choirs ! Let all heav- 
en and hell proclaim that man's salvation is 
a free Gift. Not that we loved God but 
that God first loved us. This is the great 
secret. Then what have I to boast ? 
Alas ! I deserve the hotest hell. And yet 
my cruel heart has rebelled against this doc- 
trine so obviously taught in the blessed Bi- 
ble. I have tried to find worthiness in my- 
self and to obtain salvation by keeping the 
law. But there is not a law I have not vi- 
olated and tried by which I must be con- 
demned forever ; and this condemnation 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 81 

would be just. Yes, I should proclaim it so 
amidst the torments of the damned ! Noth* 
ing can I now do to gain the favor of Heav- 
en ; the law is broken ; I am condemned. 
But I see a way of escape through the Atone- 
ment of Christ. And how my heart will 
burst for joy ! Oh ! what joy. Salvation — 
free salvation, is bought by Christ ! How- 
sweet the words — Free Salvation ! Never 
did the plan of Salivation appear so stupen- 
dous, so glorious. Loud will I proclaim it — 
Free salvation bought by Jesus' blood 1" 

Those who were acquainted with Mr. 
Hidden in his later years will not fail to re- 
cognize the above as gushing from the same 
full soul which gave utterance to his fervid 
ejaculations in the pulpit as well as in pri- 
vate conversation. They are the outpour- 
ings of genuine feeling. They are undis- 
guised sentiments — warm — melting — ten- 
der. The effusions of a contrite soul. 

The following extract of a letter written 
by Rev. Mr. Smith Nov. 13, 1791, will show 
6 



82 MEMOIR OF 

ill what estimation Mr. Hidden was held by 
his valued teacher. 

"You ask for a description of Samuel Hid- 
den : I would therefore say that he is a young 
man of the first order of intellects — his per- 
ception is quick — ^his judgment sound ; his 
imagination lively ; his sensibilities warm ; 
his soul is alive to devotion ; he is cheerful, 
gay, sober, merry, grave. He is kind-heart- 
ed, passionate, gentle ; and in short, he is a 
real apostle, becoming all things to all men. 
In his studies he has made rapid progress ; 
he grasps the most difficult subjects with 
Herculean strength and sees through every 
thing almost intuitively. He is destined to 
do great good in the church of Christ. The 
spirit of Christ appears to be in him." 

A versatility of mind was a prominent char- 
acteristic of Mr. Hidden through life. Said 
an aged man to the memorialist, " I once 
met Mr. Hidden after he graduated at Dart- 
mouth College, at Hon. Thomas Cogs- 
well's. At first, being told he was a student 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 83 

of Divinity, I was quite disgusted with him ; 
his laugh was so boisterous, as I thought, 
and he talked so readily upon all subjects — 
music, tactics, war, love, death and mar- 
riages. But when I heard him talk o£ the 
Bible, its doctrines, its promises and threat- 
nings, my disgust was changed to admiration. 
When he prayed he carried us all up to heav- 
en and we seemed to hear the songs of an- 
gels. When he sung, his countenance 
beamed with delight and his eye sparkled 
with joy. You would have thought you 
saw his soul looking out its windows. Won- 
derful man ! said I to myself. He was just 
such a man as my imagination had pictured, 
but whom T had despaired of seeing. 1 
would go on Pilgrimage to Mecca if I could 
see another such." 

Such had been Mr. Hidden's proficiency 
in Theology that he was licensed to preach 
at Kingston, Oct. 4th, 1791. The follow- 
ing is his license : 

^' Mr. Samuel Hidden having offered him^ 



84 MEMOIR OF 

self to an examination for an approbation for 
preaching the gospel, we, the subscribers, 
having carefully attended to his sentiments, 
his knowledge in divinity and religious expe- 
rience, are satisfied, and cordially recom- 
mend him to the Church wherever God in 
his providence shall be pleased to call him." 
This is signed by Nathaniel Noyes, Elisha 
Thayer, Isaac Smith, Curtis Coe, Christo- 
pher Paige, Jedediah Tucker and Jesse 
Rennington. 

He preached his first sermon to Rev. Mr. 
Smith's congregation and is related to have 
made the whole congregation weep profuse- 
ly. While he remained in Gilmanton he 
preached occasionally in various parts of the 
town, generally however, at the house of 
Philbrick Rand, in that part of the town now 
called Gilford. 

Such was Mr. Hidden's character and the 
estimation in which he was held towards the 
latter part of December, 1791, when after 
having spent most of one night in meditation 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 85 

and prayer for God's direction in his future 
course, he fell asleep and dreamed that two 
men called on him to employ him to preach, 
and he complied. He recollected distinct- 
ly the circumstancet) of the place and the 
character of the people. This dream made 
a deep impression upon his mind ; he regard- 
ed it as an intimation from God. About 
this time at a special meeting ofthetownin 
Tamworth a committee was chosen to pro- 
cure preaching and this committee, having 
heard of Mr. Hidden by means of the Hon, 
Thomas Cogswell of Gilmanton, who had 
now become an extensive land-holder in 
Tamworth, proceeded directly to Gilmanton 
to secure his services. He consented to re- 
turn with them. On arriving in Tamworth 
every thing appeared natural ; the situation 
of the place, the character of the people, all 
corresponded with his dream. 

He arrived in Tamworth on Saturday and 
preached the next day, being the fifteenth of 
January, 1792, in Mr, William Eastman's 



86 MEMOIR OF 

dwelling house. He preached in the fore- 
noon from Acts 10: 29. " Therefore came 
1 unto you without gainsaying, as soon as 
I was sent for : I ask therefore for what in- 
tent ye have sent for me ? " In the after- 
noon he preached from John 1 : 13. 
" Which were born not of blood, nor of the 
will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but 
of God." Previous to this many were prej- 
udiced against a " College learned marC^ 
and " resolved not to like him." The wife 
of Mr. William Eastman, when she saw 
him coming, said, " she had as lief see the 
Devil," though she was ever after his warm- 
est friend. Mr. Hidden at once gained the 
admiration of every hearer. All were en- 
thusiastic in his praise. This was a new 
epoch in his life. The town was sparsedly 
settled and the inhabitants were rudely dress- 
ed and more rude in manners. 

" Here was seen 

No trace of man's pomp or pride ; no silks 
Rustl'd, no jewels shone, nor envious eyes 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 87 

Encounter'd : no fantastic carvings show'd 
The boast of our vain race to change the form 
Of God's fair works." 

As he looked around the room crowded with 
Hstening spectators, he saw the women 
dressed in long waisted gowns with strait 
sleeves and checkered aprons, all of domes- 
tic manufacture, and the men clothed with 
materials of the same character ; the shape 
of whose garments it would be impossible 
to describe ; but they were such as to give 
them a grotesque appearance. Capt. Geo. 
Dodge and lady were, however, exceptions ; 
he having breeches and long stockings and 
other garments of more costly material ; and 
she having what was called a " white Hol- 
land" apron. Notwithstanding the contrast 
between these men and those with whom he 
had resided, he felt at home ; that here was 
a field for usefulness, and men were perish- 
ing for want of the gospel of Christ. He 
felt strengthened and blessed. " Never," 
said he, " did I feel happier than on that 



88 MEMOIR OF 

d£ty." He continued to preach with signal 
success in private houses, or barns, until 
March 13, 1792, when in the annual Town 
Meeting, it was proposed to settle him as 
the Minister of the town. The following 
is a copy of the transaction of the town in 
relation to this subject. 

" Voted, That it is the unanimous de- 
sire of the Inhabitants of Tamworth to set- 
tle Mr, Samuel Hidden in the Ministry in 
this Town, provided it can be done upon 
such terms as they think themselves able to 
comply with. 

Voted, That a committee be chosen con- 
sisting of fifteen persons to inform Mr. Hid- 
den of the minds of the Town, and to 
know of him if he will settle with us if rea- 
sonable proposals be made and to invite him, 
(in case he should give encouragement,) to 
preach with us a certain time, and in the 
mean time to draw up some proposals to 
make to said Hidden and report to the 
Town when met.'* 



SA»nJEL HIDDEN. 89 

Said Committee met and agreed that the 
following proposals be laid before the 
Town. 

1st. " To build a house for Mr. Samuel 
Hidden one story high of 28 and 38, or 30 
and 40 feet as said Hidden shall think best, 
and to clapboard, glaze, shingle, build a 
stack of chimnies with four smokes, dig a 
cellar under one end of said house, and fin- 
isl] one half of said house in two years from 
December, 1791. 

2d. That thirty three pounds lawful 
money be the sum offered to Mr Hidden for 
his yearly support — three pounds of the 
same to be paid in cash- — fifteen pounds in 
good merchantable beef at eighteen shillings 
per hundred, and fifteen pounds lawful 
money in merchantable corn at three shill- 
ings, rye at four, and wheat five shillings the 
bushel ; the above sums in produce, cash 
and beef, to be paid 3'early for three years : 
these expired, then said Hidden's salary is to 
be raised yearly as the Town may increase 



90 MEMOIR OF 

according to polls and estates that may be 
liable to be taxed for the support of said 
Hidden as the present Inhabitants are now 
taxed including what polls and estates may- 
be added in the aforesaid three years till it 
amounts to fifty pounds ; three pounds of 
ihe fifty to be paid in cash ; twenty three 
pounds ten shillings in good merchantable 
beef and the remaining twenty three pounds 
ten shillings to be paid in good merchanta- 
ble Indian corn, rye and wheat. 

3d. That when the above tax amounts 
to fifty pounds that then said Hidden 's sala- 
ry to stand fixed and to be paid in cash, 
produce and beef at the prices as mention- 
ed above, yearly." 

The above is signed by David Gilman for 
the Committee. 

" April 2, 1792. In annual Town Meet- 
ing on adjournment, 

Voted, Unanimously to accept the report 
of their Committee respecting settling Mr. 
Samuel Hidden." 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 91 

At a previous meeting they had voted to 
" raise money to pay Mr. Samuel Hidden for 
what he had preached and that the above 
named Committee, (if Mr. Hidden should 
accept,) should make provisions for his Or- 
dination" and " carry the whole matter 
through." And in a subsequent Town 
Meeting, May 7, 1792, it was voted to give 
" up all the right that they have unto the 
Right of Land granted in the Charter of 
Tamworth to the first settled Minister in 
said Town, unto Mr. Samuel Hidden to be 
his own property as soon as he is ordained 
here." At the same meeting it was also 
" voted that Mr. Hidden's salary shall be 
continued no longer than he is the Minister 
of this Town." 

Previous to the town's call to Mr. Hid- 
den it had been made a subject of devout 
prayer to God for counsel. This call was 
not given under some spasmodic influence 
but from the sincere and deliberate convic- 
tion that God had so ordered things as to 



92 MEMOIR OF 

make it evident that Mr. Hidden should be 
their spiritual guide. They longed for one 
in whom they could confide and from whom 
they might derive instruction and conso- 
lation. They conceived him adapted 
to their circumstances. He also felt the 
solemnity of the anticipated relation and 
commended the subject to God at the throne 
of grace. Many and weighty were the in- 
ducements to decline the call. But the 
feelino- that God designed him to labor in 
this field pervaded his bosom. He was of- 
ten heard to say, his dream-, (though the in- 
credulous may smile at it,) had more influ- 
ence in gaining his assent than all else. 
Consequently May 8, 1792, he made known 
his acceptance of the town's call in the fol- 
lowing communication. 
" To the inhabitants of Tamworth : 

You have thought it expedient, after ma- 
ture considerations and earnest prayer to 
God, as I trust, to give me an invitation to 
settle with you in the gospel ministry ; and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 93 

.have voted certain things for my encourage- 
ment and support in that important office. 
I am conscious of inability rightly to con- 
duct in so important a station. But that 
God, by whose remarkable Providence I 
am what I am, I have no reason to distrust ; 
on his mercy I wish to rely for strength to 
discharge what he in his Providence may 
call me to perform. After serious consider- 
ation and earnest prayer to Almighty God 
for direction, I have thought fit and do here- 
by accept of your proposals, if there is a 
church peaceably formed. As I live at con- 
siderable distance from my friends, I would 
reserve four Sabbaths in a year to visit them, 
if I please. Also if I am taken sick while 
laboring among you, you must still grant 
me my support until I am again able to dis- 
charge the duties of my office. You are 
sensible, my friends, the duties of a minister 
are great and important ; therefore I hope 
you will be ever ready to assist me, by 
punctuality in payment, advice in difficult 



94 MEMOIR OF 

cases, and by your constant attendance on 
God's preached word and ordinances, and 
your constant, fervent prayer, that I may 
be faithful to God, to myself, to your souls 
and those of your children ; that we may 
all appear at God's right hand, in the day 
when he maketh up his jewels. 

Samuel Hidden. 

May the 8th, 1792." 

These conditions were agreed upon and 
the twelfth of September next was appoint- 
ed for his Ordination. Mr. Hidden contin- 
ued to preach, twining the affections of the 
people about him still closer. Never did a 
people love more their spiritual guide ; nev- 
er place more implicit confidence in any 
mortal. They would have plucked out 
their eyes for him. Said an aged, venerable 
man to the memorialist, " We would all 
have surrendered our lives for him. We 
loved him next to Jesus Christ. I verily 
believe he could have made no demand 
which we should not have cheerfully grants 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 95 

ed." Thus the people sustained him by 
their prayers and affections. They were 
impatient for the time when they might call 
him their pastor. They were feasted with 
his preaching and delighted with his conver- 
sation. His word was their law from which 
none appealed. 



96 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER V. 

*The day of Ms ordination — Great Rock- — 
The Council — Church formed — Contro- 
versy — Proceed to the ordination — Ex- 
tracts from letters — First Church meet- 
ing — The Sacrament — His marriage — 
Intercourse ivith his people — Meeting 
house — Prayer meeting — Revival, 

The ordination of Mr. Hidden took place 
September 12th, 1792. This was one of 
those rich, mellow days of September when 
nature seems in a thoughtful, but happy 
mood ; when the feelings of man corres- 
pond with the aspect of nature. The 
foliage was slightly tinged with autumnal 
hues. The sun on that eventful day rose 
with unusual splendor ; his rays gilded the 
tops of the surrounding mountains and darted 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 97* 

through the ahiiost impenetrable forest, 
awakening joy in many a heart. For this 
was a gala-day to the inhabitants of Tam- 
worth. All was life and animation. The 
grove resounded with the voice of gladness. 
The wilderness and the solitary place were 
glad and the desert began to blossom as the 
rose. Early in the morning of that day 
might be seen some farmer from Fryeburgh 
with his wife and one or two children on 
his faithful steed, winding their way along 
some foot path guided by spotted trees and 
other indications, towards the centre of the 
town ; young lads in all the buoyancy of 
youth ; elderly men whose heads had been 
whitened by the frosts of many winters ; 
mothers with their smiling daughters dressed 
in their best attire of domestic manufacture. 
Many walked ten and even fifteen miles from 
Conway, Eaton, Ossipee, Sandwich and. 
Moultonborough to witness the novel, but. 
solemn scene of an Ordination. Near the 

place where the Meeting House now stands. 

7 



98 MEMOIR OF 

is a large rock about thirty feet square and 
fifteen feet high. The surface is almost 
level. On this it was resolved that Mr. 
Hidden should be ordained, since there was 
no Meeting House ; nor any building suf- 
ficiently large to convene the crowds that as- 
sembled. In fact, there was but one house 
within any considerable distance from the 
place. It was a dense forest on every hand 
with only here and there an opening. 
Around this rock the multitude assembled, 
eager to witness the ceremony. But a dif- 
ficulty arose which occasioned much delay. 
A Council had been invited, consisting of 
Rev. Mr. Smith of Gilmanton, Shaw of 
Moultonborough, Williams of Meredith, 
Porter of Conway, Piper of Wakefield and 
Coe of Durham. Up to this day no church 
had been formed. There were several pi- 
ous individuals in the town of different re- 
ligious persuasions — Congregationalists, Cal- 
vinistic Baptists and Free-Will Baptists. 
And the only difficulty in the formation of a 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 99^ 

church consisted in the rite of Baptism. 
They were all united in other points. But 
Mr. Hidden drew up the following article 
of Covenant in addition to others which 
met the cordial approbation of all. 

" 4th. But willing to exercise all due 
candor and benevolence in condescension to 
each other's infirmities, we now unanimous- 
ly agree that if any of our members think it 
their duty to present their children to God 
in the ordinance of Baptism, or think it not 
their duty to present I heir children in this 
ordinance, neither of them shall be consid- 
ered as offenders for acting agreeably to 
the dictates of their own consciences in this 
respect, and that Baptism by Immersion, by 
Sprinkling, Affusion, or Washing, shall be 
no bar to our Christian communion and fel- 
lowship ; we also agree and covenant that 
children who are devoted to God and his 
people in this holy ordinance, shall be con- 
sidered as under the parental care and sub- 



100 MEMOIR OF 

ject to the discipline and government of the 
Church." 

Nineteen this day subscribed to the arti- 
cles of Faith and Covenant ; others had not 
removed their connection with other church- 
es but stood pledged so to do. Thus the 
church was formed, consisting of thirteen 
males and six females. But the Council re- 
fused to ordain Mr. Hidden in consequence 
of this article of Covenant in relation to 
Baptism. They were strenuously opposed 
to it and insisted upon its being given up ; 
but the church and people as strenuously re- 
fused. The Council first met at Capt. 
Dodge's house but this beino- wanted for 
other purposes and too small to accommo- 
date them and others who came to consult 
with them, they adjourned to Capt. Dodge's 
orchard. Long were the debates ; — the 
whole town were there determined that Mr. 
Hidden should be ordained. Mr. Coe how- 
ever was in favor of proceeding to the ordi- 
nation and exerted all his influence to pre- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 101 

vail on the rest of the Council. At length 
Mrs. William Eastman, (who when she first 
saw Mr. Hidden, said she had as lief see 
the Devil,) came into the Council and de- 
clared with great energy and decision 
" Mr. Hidden shall be ordained this day." 
At a late hour in the day it was announced 
to the people that the Council had consented 
to proceed to the ordination. The joy at 
this announcement was unbounded. Said 
an eye witness, '' The air was filled with 
joyful acclamations. The people kneeled 
on the ground and gave thanks to God. 
Tears of gladness flowed copiously and the 
• hour was one of unalloyed happiness. I 
have never witnessed such a scene since 
and never expect to another until I get to 
heaven." 

" The groves were God's first temples. Ere man 

learned 
To hew the shaft, and lay the architrave, 
And spread the roof above them, — ere he framed 
The lofty vault, to gather and roll back 



102 MEMOIR OF 

The sounds of anthems, — in the darkling wood, 
Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down 
And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks 
And supplication." 

The Council with Mr. Hidden ascended 
the rock where a table and seats were pre- 
pared while the eager multitude stood in si- 
lence around to witness the novel ceremony. 
The services were brief, the day being so 
far spent. Mr. Porter offered the first 
prayer, Mr. Smith preached the sermon, Mr. 
Shaw gave the Charge, Mr. Coe the Right 
hand of Fellowship and Mr. Williams made 
the concluding prayer.''^ 

The following letter, found between the 
leaves of an old sermon and in which no 
name is found, it being much mutilated, will 
serve to throw some light upon this occasion, 
and cannot fail to be interesting. It bears 

* It is little remarkable that that part of the rock 
on which Mr. Williams stood fell off, since the found- 
ation on which he built his hopes for heaven soon after 
proved like the rock, insecure. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 103 

date, " Durham, Sept. 27, 1792." After 
stating some circumstances relative to the 
ordination the letter proceeds ; — 

" Now, Sir, I will tell you about the ordi- 
nation : and yet I know not where to begin 
or what to say ; it defies description. Af- 
ter much wrangling between the Council and 
the people, Mr. Hidden was ordained on a 
large rock on which fifty men might stand. 
His foundation must be secure, and solid ; 
for this rock will stand till Gabriel 
shall divide it with the power of God. 
Early in the morning the people assembled 
around this rock, men, women, boys and 
girls together with dogs and other domestic 
animals. It is an entire forest about this 
place The scenery is wild. On the north 
is a high hill and north of this is the moun- 
tain called Chocorua which touches heaven. 
On the south and in all directions are moun- 
tains, steep and rugged. I had expected 
to have heard jthe howling of the wolf and 
the screeching of the owl : but instead ot 



104 MEMOIR OP 

these were heard the melting notes of the 
Robin and the chirping of the Sparrow and 
other birds that made the forest seem like 
Paradise. The men looked happy, rugged, 
and fearless ; their trowsers came down to 
about half way between the knee and ankle ; 
their coats were mostly short and of name- 
less shapes. Many wore slouched hats, and 
hundreds were shoeless. The women look- 
ed ruddy and as though they loved their 
husbands ; their clothing was all of domes- 
tic manufacture — Every woman had on a 
checkered linen apron and carried a clean 
linen handkerchief. Their bonnets ! Well, 
I cannot describe them ; I leave them to 
your imagination. But think of the grand- 
eur of the scene. A great rock the pulpit, 
the whole town the floor of the house and 
the canopy of heaven the roof, and the tall, 
sturdy trees the walls ! Who could help 
being devotional ? This is the place nature 
has formed for pure worship. Long shall 
this rock stand like the rock on which our 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 106 

fathers landed. Long may these woods re- 
sound with the praises of Jehovah. Long 
may this Church make the wilderness and 
the solitary place glad and the desert blos- 
som as the rose." 

— ^" Father, thy hand 
Hath reared these renefable columns ; thou 
Didst \v«ave this verdant roof. Thou didst look down 
Upon the naked earth, and forthwith, rose 
All these fair ranks of trees. They in thy sun 
Budded and shook their green leaves in thy breeze, 
And shot towards heaven. They stand tall and dark, 
Fit shrine for humble worshipper to hold 
Communion with his Maker." 

Mr. Hidden, thus constituted the spiritu- 
al guide of his little flock and the teacher 
of the whole town felt deeply the responsi- 
bilities that rested upon him ; but he sunk 
not under them. He viewed the Christian 
warfare a delightful one. He longed to be 
the means under God of saving souls and 
looked forward to a life of usefulness. In a 
letter to a friend immediately after his ordi- 
nation he describes his feelings thus : 



106 MEMOIR OF 

" I was last week ordained as pastor of 
this infant church and Minister of the town. 
You cannot imagine how small I feel. Had 
not Jesus promised to be with his servants 
to the end of time I should sink under the 
weight of responsibilities which press upon 
me. But thanks to God, through Jesus 
Christ helping me, I can do all things. 
When I think of him I stand firm as a rock. 
All the gates of hell cannot prevail against 
me. Oh, what consolation in Christ ! I 
never felt the blessedness of the gospel so 
much as while preaching it to others. Here 
are souls destined for eternity. They must 
be saved by the preaching of the gospel or 
go down to hell ! I preached last Sabbath 
to an attentive assembly. They were eager 
to catch every word. 1 felt that God 
strengthened me to proclaim his word. I 
know that the Spirit of Christ is here and 
believe that he is about to visit this people 
in mercy. May showers of grace descend. 
How happy I should be if all these immortal 



SA»nJEL HIDDEN. 107 

souls could speedily be brought into the 
fold of Christ. I am more and more pleased 
with my people. They are kind hearted 
and ready to do every thing for my comfort. 
The Lord will reward them. I will pray 
for them with my latest breath. Do you 
pray for me that I may prove a blessing to 
this people." 

This letter shows a heart deeply humbled 
but overflowing with love to souls. He had 
felt the power of truth upon his own soul 
and ardently desired that others might share 
in the same blessedness. Said a man who 
accidentally found him praying in the forest 
to God for his people, " I stood for a mo- 
ment and gazed on his countenance ; he was 
upon his knees with his face turned upwards 
and his hands raised. The tears rolled in 
torrents down his face ; his soul seemed to 
sit upon his countenance. He was praying 
for his little church. He prayed with such 
fervency that my soul melted within me and 
I fell prostrate upon the ground and ejacu- 



108 MEMOIR OF 

lated a prayer to God. He continued pray- 
ing a long time with thesajne fervor. That 
was a dehghtful prayer meeting. I never 
got so near to God before ! Mr. Hidden 
rose and I did the same. ^ Well,' said he, 
' this is a good place for a prayer meeting ; 
let us pray longer f and we prayed there a 
whole hour. I have often wished to meet 
him so again." 

He now began to take rfieasures for the 
building up of his church and improvement 
of the people. On the 20th of September, 
1792, the first church meeting was held at 
the house of Mr. William Eastman. At 
which meeting George Dodge was unani- 
mously chosen Clerk, and William Eastman 
and Oliver Fowler Deacons. The church 
being thus organized, it was voted, '' That 
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be ad- 
ministered on the first Sabbath in Novem- 
ber." The communion season was antici- 
pated with great delight. The little church 
now (Nov. 4,) numbered nineteen, thirteen 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 109 

males and six females. The long desired 
season arrived. This was the first time 
many of the congregation had witnessed the 
celebration of the Lord's Supper. A deep 
solemnity pervaded the audience. To the 
church it was a Pentecostal season. Pre- 
vious to passing the bread Mr. Hidden re- 
minded them of the love of Christ, his 
death and atonement. He reminded them 
of his last supper and his sufferings in the 
garden. Said he, " I come to break bread 
to you here in the wilderness. The manna 
is ready. Eat ye all of it." This season 
cannot be better described than in the words 
of one who was present. " This season," 
said he, " was awfully solemn. There was 
not a man, women, or child who was not af- 
fected to tears. This was the first time such 
a season had been enjoyed in the town, and 
we were so thankful that we had now the 
stated means of grace, a church and a pas- 
tor, dearer to every heart than life itself, we 
could express our gratitude only by deep 



110 MEMOIR OF 

sobbings of the heart. The fountains of 
our souls were broken up. We felt that 
Christ was present with us. We blessed 
him and covenanted to be his forever. This 
was a foretaste of heavenly communion ; it 
was the house of God and the very gate of 
heaven." 

The following lines of Mr. Hidden are 
fraught with great interest. 

" I have to-day, for the first time, admin- 
istered the Lord's Supper to my little flock. 
The act was new to me. As I looked 
round on those who partook of the elements 
of Christ's body and blood, I thought how 
happy we shall be in heaven when we sit 
around Christ's table and he at the head. 
Then these bodies will be changed. They 
will be like Christ's glorious body. Our un- 
holy passions will there be unknown. Not 
a wave of trouble will roll across our peace- 
ful breasts. No tear will bedew our cheek. 
Our hands will wave palms of victory. 
Our voices will proclaim Christ the Re- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. Ill 

deemer of our souls. We shall then be 
clothed in garments washed in Jesus blood. 
We shall tune our harps of gold. Here our 
houses are of clay. We are clothed with 
rags, and for these we must labor hard, but 
there the richest crowns and garments of pure 
white are laid up for us. Here we com- 
mune with Christ, as it were, at a great dis- 
tance, but there we shall lean upon his bo- 
som, look full into his face which shines 
with a brightness that outdazzles the sun. 
We shall there drink of the stream that 
flows fast by the throne of God. The sun 
will not scorch, nor the winter blast us. 
Full fruition will be ours. More will be 
offered us than we can contain. There 
will be a surplus of every joy. Oh blest 
scenes of pure delight ! What a contrast 
with those of to-day ! We have had a bles- 
sed season here, but there more blessed. I 
long for that home where death will be swal- 
lowed up in victory. I have attempted to 
sing to-day, but in heaven how will ray 



11*2 MEMOIR OF 

voice echo ! O ravishing thought ! I 
seem almost to be there ! The voices of 
angels sound sweetly upon my ear! I 
catch the note, I begin the song, glory to 
God and the Lamb, that has bought us with 
his blood ! Halleluiah ! Halleluiah ) Let 
the echo fly. How am I rapt in contempla- 
tion ! But, oh ! I am still here, prisoner of 
earth, vile, and sinful. But, dear Jesus, I 
will labor for thee and love thee though I 
be sent to hell as I deserve. I delight in 
thy service. I love thy word. It is my 
meditation day and night; sweeter to my 
taste than honey or the honey comb. Ena- 
ble me so to teach it to others as that they 
also may love it and find by happy experi- 
ence that in keeping thy commandments, 
there is great reward. Make me a faithful 
Shepherd to this little flock, that I may be 
able to lead them in green pastures and by 
still waters and feed them with knowledge 
and understanding, that they may be trained 
up a peculiar people, zealousof good works. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 113 

May all who have communed at thy table 
to-day eat bread at thy right hand. Oh 
keep them, blessed God. Save them to the 
end. Let them, while they sojourn here^ 
hold constant intercourse with heaven.'^ 



Mr. Hidden was married Nov. 29, 1792, 
to Miss Betsy Price, daughter of Mr. Wil* 
Ham Price of Gilmanton. The town, as 
stipulated, had erected him a house and fin- 
ished a part of it. They welcomed his 
bride, with great cordiality. The intercourse 
between his family and the inhabitants was 
of a character adapted to improvement. 
It was open, free, confiding. There was 
no restraint. His house was open for the 
reception of his parishoners at all hours of 
the day. This gave him an opportunity to 
know his people and their wants. On this 
account he was always fortunate in the se* 
lection of subjects for his sermons. Never 
8 



114 MEMOIR OF 

was man more skilful in adapting his ser- 
mons to the occasion and circumstance. 
This was owing to great familiarity with 
men and things. From his earliest youth 
he had accurately studied human nature. 
He saw through men. He could construe 
them, analyze them. This made him supe- 
rior to others. His people felt it, and sought 
his counsel on all occasions. His opinion 
was law in matters spiritual and tempo- 
ral. 

Up to this time, he had preached in Capt. 
Dodge's bam, or in some dwelling house as 
the Selectmen had provided. But now he 
held his meetings in his own house, having 
a room fitted up for that purpose. During 
the week he lectured as often as three times 
in different parts of the town. In Oc- 
tober, they had voted to build a house 
forty four feet long, thirty-seven and half 
wide and one story high ; and a plan of the 
pews having been drawn they were sold at 
auction, for between three and six dollars 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 115 

per pew. But in March, 1793, nothing 
farther having been done, the town voted to 
build the house two stories high instead of 
one, and refused to sell the pews by a new 
auction, and voted to raise the money to de- 
fray the expenses of the house, (in addition to 
that raised by the sale of pews and fifty dol- 
lars granted by the proprietors) by a direct 
tax on every man in the town. Many 
complained of this as oppressive, since 
some lived at so great distance as rendered it 
impracticable to worship in the contempla- 
ted house. Such an act at the present day 
would not be tolerated. But considering 
that the town built the house and that almost 
all would meet in it for worship there is less 
room for censure. 

It is lamentable to find on record such 
an act as the following ; " voted to procure 
one Barrel of Rum for framing and raising 
tlie Meeting House." But we must not try 
them by the same standard by which we 
judge men of the present day. Future gen- 



116 MEMOIR OF 

erations will condemn in us many acts which 
we esteem virtuous. They acted in accord- 
ance with the light they enjoyed. Let us 
do the same and guard against the errors 
they committed. Let their errors perish with 
them. 

Much debate arose about the location of 
the building. Some were for one place and 
others for a different. Several meetings 
were successively held. March 25, 1793, 
it was voted to erect the house on the spot 
where it now stands. The frame was raised 
in August following, when a dinner was 
dressed for the occasion at the expense of 
the town. The exterior of the house was 
completed during the autumn, the interior 
beinor deferred until the ensuing summer. 
As soon as the frame was boarded and 
shingled, a temporary Pulpit was erected 
and seats prepared, and in it they held their 
meetings during the winter and following 
spring. 

At the close of 1792, the church consis- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 117 

ted of twenty nine members. But in the 
winter of 1793, and 1794, the church was 
visited with a refreshing shower of divine 
grace. The 6rst intimation of the special 
presence of the Spirit was observed in a 
prayer meeting held at Dea. Eastman's 
house. A member of the church was called 
upon to pray. He rose and prayed with 
unusual fervor for a revival of religion. 
When he sat down Mr. Hidden, bursting 
into tears, exclaimed, " There, brother, the 
revival you wanted has come ! Don't you 
see how Christ fulfills his promises ? Evea 
while you were praying he answered !" A 
deep solemnity pervaded the meeting. 
They confessed their faults one to another 
and covenanted to begin anew the Christiaa 
life. They left the house of prayer with 
hearts warmed by the Spirit of Christ, say- 
ing, " Did not our hearts burn within us ?" 
Mr. Hidden spent the whole night in wrest- 
ling with the God of Jacob. He prevailed. 
Early the next morning he called at the 



118 MEMOIR OF 

house of Dea. Eastman and found him 

asleep. " What," said he, " can you not 
pray one night ? Come, Deacon, get up, 
and let us have a prayer meetmg this morn- 
ing. Why, don't you see that Christ is com- 
ing to make us a visit ? Let us prepare for 
him." This was Friday morning. The 
influence of the last evening's meeting began 
to be felt in every direction. One heart 
warmed another until the whole Church 
was revived. Prayer meetings were held 
in different parts of the town and wherever 
two or three met, there was a prayer meet- 
ing. The people came from all parts of the 
town through the woods in deep snows, on 
sleds drawn by oxen every Sabbath ; this 
being the more common mode of convey- 
ance. The snow was often so deep th<it 
the paths were impassable to horses. This 
did not keep them from the house of wor- 
ship. They feared not the cold of winter 
while their hearts were warmed with holy 
love. Mr. Hidden preached with great 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 119 

zeal ; often every day in the week. Much 
time was spent in religious conference with 
those who came to his house to receive in- 
struction and consolation. When any came, 
anxious for their souls' salvation, after 
properly enlightening their minds with di- 
vine truth, and urging them to submit to 
Christ, he commended them to God in 
prayer and would say, " Come, now you 
pray." At one of these conferences a man 
dechned praying ; " What," said he, " wont 
pray for yourself when I have been praying 
for you ! Come, pray nowJ^ The man 
replied that he could not think of any thing 
to say. " Say !" exclaimed Mr. Hidden, 
" Say, Oh, Lord Jesus, forgive me !" "Ah 1" 
said the penitent man, " I can pray now," 
and fell on his knees and gave his heart to 
Christ. " There," said Mr. Hidden smiling 
through his tears, '^ you have got the door 
open. Keep it so." Thus the work of 
grace progressed with great power. The 
elderly portion of the community were espe- 



1^ MEMOIR OF 

cially the subjects of this revival. Abewt 
thirty were hopefully converted. This was 
a large number considering the small popu- 
lation of the town. Fifteen were added to 
the church at the close of 1793, and others 
at the commencement of 1794 ; between 
which time and 1800, about fifty were add- 
ed. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 121 



CHAPTER VI. 

Revival — Extract of a letter — Change in 
his salary — Missionary tour — Revivals 
— Spotted fever — Cold seasons — His in- 
terest in the sufferers. 

We have seen that during the last eight 
years, the church had enjoyed refreshings 
from the Lord and that a good degree of in- 
terest continued through all this period. 
We are now to record a work of grace un- 
paralleled in the annals of church history, 
considering the number of inhabitants and 
the distances at which they lived from the 
place of worship. 

This revival also took its rise in a prayer 
meeting in the north western part of th-e 
town. Previous to this meeting it had been 
observed that Mr. Hidden preached with 



122 MEMOIR OF 

unusual fervor, that his prayers breathed 
more of heaven and a deeper solemnity rest- 
ed upon his countenance. He remarked to 
one of his Deacons ; " Sir, what is to be 
done ? Here are hundreds in this town go- 
ing to hell if not saved soon ! I feel that 
God is about to pour out his Spirit. We 
have prayed long ; and I know God will an- 
swer prayer. Why. I know we shall be re- 
vived again ! Pray for it, deacon. Don't 
leave off praying. God is merciful. We 
shall prevail." His faith was well founded. 
God soon appeared, not in the whirlwind 
nor the storm, but his still small voice was 
heard. The waters began to be agitated. 
A ripple was seen. Soon a mighty wave 
of salvation rolled over the town. A few 
days after the prayer meeting above spoken 
of, one, who attended it, remarked that he 
believed they " really should have a revi- 
val." " Believe," replied Mr. Hidden, '■' I 
have no belief about it. I know we shall 
have one. And it is here now. I prayed all 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 123 

last night, and God has removed every doubt. 
I have the assurance that all these souls 
will be converted." Prayer meetings were 
held every evening in the week — These 
were crowded. The principal business for 
some months was prayer and religious con- 
versation. Whole nights were spent in sup- 
plication and singing praises to God. They 
went from house to house, telling what God 
had done for their souls. Mr. Hidden's 
house was crowded with anxious inquirers. 
He removed their doubts. He led them to 
the Lamb of God. Thus the work pro- 
gressed until it extended over the whole 
town. It pervaded almost every heart. 
Not only did Tamworth enjoy this glorious 
work of grace but it extended to Conway, 
Eaton, Ossipee, Moultonborough and Sand- 
wich. Some of these towns shared laro^elv 
in it. During the whole revival he had no 
assistance from abroad. He preached on 
the Sabbath and often during the week in 
various parts of the town. A few Sabbaths 



124 MEMOIR OF 

however, such was the deep feeling which 
prevailed, the people did not desire preach- 
ing. They spent these days in prayer, ex- 
hortation, singing and in rehearsing God's 
goodness to their souls. This revival was 
characterized by great depth of feeling 
without any unnatural excitement. The 
people were calm and resolved. They felt 
that they were acting for eternity. It was 
also characterized by permanency of iflter- 
est. Of the subjects of this revival it is re- 
marked very few went back into the ways of 
the world but by their lives have shown this 
work to be of God. The fruits of this revi- 
val were nearly three hundred converts, 
about two hundred of whom subsequently 
united with the Congregational church in 
Tam worth, others with churches in the sur- 
rounding towns, and some went to other de- 
nominations. 

The following extract from a letter of 
Mr. Hidden written after this revival can- 
not fail to interest the reader. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 125 

*' The revival which we have just enjoyed 
seems to astonish some. I am not aston- 
ished at all. It is just what we had reason 
to expect. Christians don't open their arms 
wide enough. They should expect great 
things. According to the desire of thy heart 
be it unto thee, is the only limit I find. 
Why should we expect small things when 
Christ has paid so great a ransom ? What 
we have witnessed is only an earnest of what 
God is about to do for his Church. Our re- 
vival has been a glorious work. Sinners 
have been saved and Christ glorified. Be 
all the glory his. His is the work. We 
have done nothing. We have been only 
the instruments in his hands. Blessed be 
God, that he has condescended to make use 
of such unworthy means. I can't be half 
thankful enough that God has made use of 
me (as I trust he has) in the salvation of 
these precious souls. For four months past 
I have preached almost every day. Every 
moment of my time has been occupied in 



126 MEMOIR OF 

leading souls to Christ. But amidst all 
these labors I think I am growing fleshy. 
It does me good to preach ! The work is 
delightful ! 

" Sweet is the work, mj God, my King, 
To praise thy name, give thanks and sing. 
To show thy love by morning light, 
And talk of all thy truth at night." 

I have scarcely felt the need of food or 
rest since our revival commenced. Prayer 
is food enough. Oh, I desire to die praying 
and praising God. Our revival commenced 
in prayer and was continued in prayer. 
Prayer literally moves God's hand. It will 
be the great means under God of the world's 
salvation. Praying breath is never spent in 
vain. We have realized the truth of this. 
Nearly three hundred souls have been con- 
verted. Nearly two hundred have joined 
this church. Is not this a glorious work ? 
This is the work of the Spirit. We have 
had no excitement, no noise. All has been 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 127 

calm, solemn, glorious. The work is almost 
complete. But, Oh my soul, what will be- 
come of those who have remained unrecon- 
ciled to God ? I know not how they can 
ever expect to be converted after resisting 
so long! But God's mercy is unbounded. 
Spare them Almighty God " 

The influence of this revival upon the 
Church and town has not ceased to be felt. 
The amount of good which has, and will re- 
sult from it is incalculable. The aspect of 
the whole town was changed. The morals 
were improved. Industry was encouraged 
and education advanced. This work did 
not cease at once even in its special mani- 
festations. The drops of divine grace were 
distilled from time to time throughout the 
whole year. Prayer meetings were regular- 
ly attended and Christians grew in grace. 
Harmony pervaded the church until the close 
of 1805, when Mr. Hidden complained that 
he did not receive his salary as stipulated. 
They were tardy in payments. He was 



128 MEMOIR OF 

sometimes distressed for means of support. 
It grieved him that a people so distinguished 
with special mercy should be negligent in 
supplying the necessities of their spiritual 
guide. Besides this, they were practicing a 
fraud which he felt bound to rebuke. It 
will be recollected that in the proposals 
made to Mr. Hidden, it was stipulated that 
alter a certain number of years his salary 
should be fifty pounds yearly. Three 
pounds were to be " paid in cash ; twenty 
three pounds ten shillings in good merchant- 
able beef at eighteen shillings per hundred 
and the remaining twenty-three pounds ten 
shillings in corn at three shillings, rye at 
four and wheat, five shillings the bushel." 
But when these articles would sell for more 
than the stipulated price they paid him the 
money, and when they sold for less they 
brought him produce. For instance, corn 
was stipulated at three shillings per bushel ; 
but when it was six shillings, (which was 
often the case) they would, instead of the 



SAMtJEL HIDDEN. 12i9 

corn, bring three shillings. Thus Mr. Hid- 
den would receive only half his due. The 
same was often the case with the other arti- 
cles specified. He deemed this a species of 
iniquity and condemned it. He felt that he 
was indulging them in a speculation obnox- 
ious to their spiritual interest and offensive 
in the sight of God. Finding that stern re»- 
bukes failed to remedy the evil he announced 
his resolution, unless a remedy could be de- 
vised, at once to absolve the relation which 
existed between them as pastor and people. 
This was no rash act on his part. He had 
■fitade it a subject of earnest prayer. He 
loved the people. He looked upon most of 
the town as his spiritual children. He felt 
that his interest was identified with theirs. 
It sorely grieved his heart to find the people 
whom he cherished with his warmest affec- 
tions 60 regardless of justice, of their own in- 
terest and his feelings. 

They, finding that they must loose their 
Minister unless something was effected, at 
9 



130 MEMOIR OF 

their anntial meeting, March 11, 1806, chose 
a committee to devise some change in the 
mode of paying his salary. This commit- 
tee, actuated by motives honorable to them- 
selves, made an estimate of the average val- 
ue of the articles of produce specified in the 
contract, together with the " three pounds 
in cash," and found it to be two hundred 
and one dollars. They made a report at 
the same meeting and it was unanimously 
voted that from that time Mr. Hidden's sal- 
ary should be two hundred and one dollars 
in lawful money in lieu of the old contract. 
This vote was announced to Mr. Hidden. 
It met his approbation. Before the assem- 
bled town he returned thanks to Almighty 
God for this act of justice. He exclaimed, 
" This is the happiest moment of my life ! 
I am not to be severed from my spiritual 
children and the people whom I love." 
Said he to the memorialist many years after 
this transaction, " I laid awake all that night, 
I was so thankful that a reconciliation had 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 131 

been effected. If I had left, it would have 
rent asunder the tenderest ties that ever 
bound minister to his people. It would 
have been a severing of a part of the body. 
For I conceive myself identified with my 
people, one and inseperable, till death di- 
vides us." " Ah !" exclaimed he, " death 
won't effect a long seperation. We shall 
be united in heaven !" Never perhaps did 
man love his church and people more. It 
was his delight to do them good ; to see 
them prosper in things spiritual and tempo- 
ral. 

At this time religion in the church was at 
a low ebb. The high-toned piety of 1800, 
had degenerated. The prayer meetings 
were neglected. Many ceased to tread 
Zion's courts. A worldly spirit crept into 
the church, and Mr. Hidden was " appoint- 
ed by the Society for propagating the Gos- 
pel among the Indians and others in North- 
America, a Missionary for Districts No. 2, 
3, 4, in Maine, for two months. Ther 



132 MEMOIR OF 

'' Journal of his proceedings/' in which he 
recorded *' the baptisms administered, the 
churches organized, the schools established, 
the books distributed, the monies received, 
and in short, all transactions and occurren- 
ces of interest," I have been unable to ob- 
tain. His absence, however, was suffi- 
ciently long to teach his church the worth of 
his services among them. His tour was 
productive of great good. On his return, la- 
menting the low state of religion in the 
church, he, after some consultation, ap- 
pointed a day of fasting and prayer. Said 
he in giving out this appointment, " Breth- 
ren, we have got down, not in the valley of 
humiliation, but in the valley of spiritual 
death ! Now let us come together and 
pray ourselves out of it. Prayer is the only 
instrument that can extricate us. If we re- 
main here longer the Devil will cover us all 
over with filth ! Brethren, do let us pray !" 
This day was generally observed by the 
church. A deep interest pervaded the meet- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 133 

ing. Many who had absented themselves 
from the special meetings of the church were 
present. Their hearts warmed. Their first 
love returned. There was a shaking 
among the dry bones. The valley of death 
teemed with life. The church began spon- 
taneously to visit each other. They went 
from house to house, praying and exhorting. 
Prayer meetings were commenced anew, 
and all the means of grace were cheerfully 
observed. Soon the voice of joy was heard. 
Souls were born into the kingdom of Christ. 
Said a subject of this revival, to the memo- 
rialist, " One Sabbath Mr. Hidden preached 
from Gen. 6: 3. " My Spirit shall not al- 
ways strive with man." He showed the 
danger of resisting God's Spirit and that 
there was a point beyond which his patience 
would not extend. He applied it to those 
present and exhorted us to fear lest we 
should provoke the Spirit to depart forever. 
Never shall I forget that sermon." Said 
he, " i thought he was personally address- 



134 MEMOIR OF 

ing his words to me and I trembled before 
God. I could not sit still upon my seat. 
My anguish of spirit was almost insupporta- 
ble. "JXow," said Mr. Hidden, "what is to 
be done ? The Spirit is hovering over you 
— is knocking at the door of your heart, 
saying, Open to me : for my head is filled 
with dew, and my locks with the drops of 
the night. Turn you at my reproof; be- 
hold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I 
will make known my words unto you ! 
Will you give heed to this voice, turn and 
live ? If you do not, remember that God 
w^ill say unto you, ' Because I have called, 
and ye have refused ; I have stretched out 
my hand, and no man regarded ; but ye 
have set at naught all my counsel, and 
would none of my reproof; I also will laugh 
at your calamity ; I will mock when your 
fear Cometh. Oh the awful condition of a 
soul forsaken of God ! Hearken, and your 
soul shall live. This day repent. Defer it 
not until to-morrow : then your spirit may 



SAMUEL HIDDEN, 135 

be in hell ! Come, sinner, are you ready ?" 
Such were the melting appeals which he 
was accustomed to address to his audience. 
They always reached the heart. He 
preached'' flymen not around them." Or- 
dinary means of grace were the only means 
used in this revival. It was consequent up- 
on prayer and preaching God's word. As 
the fruits of this revival nineteen males and 
ten females were admitted to the church. 
The effects of this display of divine grace 
were permanent. The church was strength- 
ened and roused to action. The salutary 
effects of a revival in a church should nev- 
er be estimated only from the number of 
conversions in a given time. We should 
also take into consideration the deeper tone 
of piety occasioned in the church and the 
improvement of society generally. 

A lively interest from this time in religion 
was continued until 1811, when the church 
was again visited with the special presence 
of the Spirit. Perhaps this revival should 



136 MEMOIR OF 

be regarded as a continuation of the one en-^ 
joyed in 1809 and 1810. In this the fe- 
male portion of the community seem to have 
been the special subjects. Twenty eight 
were added to the church. 

Up to 1813, the town and church had 
enjoyed a great degree of prosperity. But 
this year they were called to witness the 
ravages of the Spotted Fever. This broke 
out early in the year and spread over a large 
portion of the State. This epidemic was 
very malignant. In some places men died 
almost instantly in their fields, or wherever 
they chanced to be I No warning was al- 
lowed them. They died and were buried 
in the same apparel. Putrefaction was so 
rapid that the living dared not afford a wind- 
ing sheet. The mother saw the infant blos- 
som perish upon her bosom. The strong 
man bowed and the fearless was struck with 
dismay. Merriment was changed to lamen-* 
tation. The dead and the dying were seei> 
on every hand. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 137 

May 13th, 1813, a special Town Meet- 
ing was called in which it was voted, " that 
the town provide medical aid and medicine, 
if the spotted fever, which now prevails in 
other towns, shall prevail in Tamworth." 
The greatest anxiety was experienced. The 
victims of this disease in Moultonborough, 
Sandwich, and elsewhere, were falling in 
great numbers. At length it entered the 
town " in all its native ugliness." Scarce- 
ly a family escaped a visit from this destroy- 
er of men. Before him beauty faded, 
health fled, muscles stiffened, the streams of 
life ceased to flow. Mr. Hidden fearlessly 
" walked amidst the shadows of death and 
found them not shadows." He administer- 
ed comfort, temporal and spiritual. He 
chid their murmurings ; bade them be calm 
and ready to meet the " grim messenger." 
What he wished others to be he was him- 
self. Soon he was called to struggle with 
this emisary of death. The combat was 



138 MEMOIR OF 

violent and for some days doubtful. But 
through the mercy of God he prevailed. 
He was raised up to continue a blessing to 
the church and people of his charge, though 
he suffered even to his death with a disease 
in one limb which was occasioned by this 
fever. 

Opportunity was here afforded him to 
witness the sustaining influence of religion 
on those who had been converted through 
his instrumentality. The lambs that he had 
gathered into the fold sickened and died, 
but experienced in their latest moments 
" peace which passeth understanding." He 
was often heard to say, " well, these lambs 
are now under the care of a Shepherd more 
faithful than I. Oh, how sweetly they will 
sing glory to God and the Lamb ! They 
will ascribe all the glory of their salvation 
to Jesus who has washed them in his blood. 
In his presence they shall hunger no more, 
neither thirst any more ; neither shall the 
sun light on them, nor any heat. For the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 139 

Lamb which is in the midst of the throne 
shall feed them, and shall lead them nnto 
living fountains of waters ; and God shall 
wipe away all tears from their eyes." Said 
he to a mother lamenting the death of a 
beloved child, " Why do you weep ? There 
is no fever where Mary is gone ! The spots 
which we see here are all washed off by Je- 
sus' blood ! She looks as white as an angel 
now ! You will hardly recognize her when 
you get to heaven, she will look so glorious. 
She is making more music there than you 
and I both can make here." 

This event cast a gloom over the church 
and town. Sorrow, and almost despair were 
depicted on many a countenance ; but he 
was ever cheerful. 

" He allured to brighter worlds and led the way." 

The effects of this epidemic had not 
ceased to be felt when the " cold seasons" 
of 1815, 1816, and 1817, came on. This, 
though it wore not so frightful an aspect as 



140 MEMOIR OF 

the Spotted Fever, was in the end more dis- 
tressing. Though the victims of famine 
fell not as suddenly, nevertheless as surely. 
Great suffering was experienced through the 
whole country. The famine was sore in 
the land" and men knew not where ^'to buy 
com." There was no Egypt into which 
they might " go down." No large " store 
houses'.' were to be opened. The cold was 
excessive and the little that grew was 
not suffered to ripen. The frost blast- 
ed every green thing. This was emphati- 
cally true in Tamworth. The town was 
yet new. Many families had just begun to 
make settlements and were dependent upon 
older farmers for bread. No stores of pro- 
visions had been laid up for such an emer- 
gency. The neighboring towns were in 
nearly the same condition. Consequently 
they were obliged to procure corn and other 
grains from Portsmouth, Exeter, Gilmanton, 
Canterbury, and places still more remote. 



SAMtEL HIDDEN. 141 

Destitute of money, they were forced to go 
thirty, and even forty miles with sythes and 
other agricultural implements and labor for 
corn, and then carry it home to their half 
starving families, on their backs. A day's 
hard labor would sometimes procure only a 
peck of corn. Many a man was glad to 
labor a whole day for a half bushel of pota- 
toes. Many families lived chiefly on ber- 
ries for weeks together. Wheat flour sold 
for eighteen dollars per bushel, rye for ten. 
Such was the distress that the town was 
obliged to procure corn for the sufferers, 
dealing it out to the most needy. This 
they were obliged to do three sucessive 
years. 

In the sufferers Mr. Hidden took a deep 
interest. Rarely does a Congregational 
minister have the good fortune to be able to 
relieve the necessities of his parishoners. But 
he had a good farm which yielded more 
bountifully than some others. He was 
ready to divide his last meal. The needy 



142 MEMOIR OF 

always found in him " a pitying friend," a 
heart to sympathize, and a hand to bestow 
where ought could be found. He assisted 
the poor in the payment of their taxes by 
allowing them to labor on his farm. He la- 
bored with his own hands, thus setting his 
people an example of industry. Special 
fasts were observed by the church. The 
appeals at the throne of mercy were solemn 
and not to be denied. They '' prayed with 
heart and soul." 

At length the dawn of happier days ap- 
peared. The warm and genial rays of the 
sun fructified the earth and their hearts 
were filled " with food and gladness." 
Hill and valley rang with joyful acclama- 
tions. Public thanks were offered and 
many a wretched hovel bore witness to the 
heart-felt gratitude of its lean occupants. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 143 



CHAPTER VII. 

Revivals — Protracted meetings — His influ- 
ence — Ossipee — Sandwich — North 
Sandwich. 

We have now followed Mr. Hidden 
through a period of about sixty-two years ;, 
thirty of which are identified with the church, 
of which he was pastor. This is the most 
eventful period of his life, though not the 
most interesting perhaps. It was full of 
" stirring incidents." The struggles of his 
youth, his hardships in war, the temptations 
of a College, his conversion to God — his 
zeal in entering the sacred ministry ; — his 
call into the wilderness to lead a little band 
of Christians; his trials and labors, in a 
newly settled town, his extensive revivals, 
and the marked success of his labors are of 



144 Memoir of 

no ordinary interest. His life was not one 
of inactivity and ease. He loved to labor 
in the service of Christ. How far his en- 
deavors to save immortal spirits were blessed 
we have already seen. We are now to no- 
lice farther displays of God's grace. 

Since 1811, the church witnessed no 
special token of divine mercy. The town 
had suffered more than language can paint 
from the ravages of the Spotted Fever and 
" lean famine." The heavens were brass, 
over their heads. The air was infected with 
vapors of death. The earth was cold and 
barren. The sun withheld its genial rays. 
There was no bow of mercy, or star of hope. 
But at length hope revived and the church 
put on her " beautiful garments." The year 
1822, opened with brighter prospects. 

Mr. Hidden up to this time had labored 
with his chracteristic zeal. Finding that 
no drops of mercy descended, that the 
church had settled down into a cold and 
lifeless state, he, at times felt almost to de- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 145 

spond. But he was not a man to yield to 
such a feeling. It was not in his nature. 
Besides, he had witnessed too signal displays 
of God's grace to distrust his promises. A 
member of his church about this time la- 
menting the apathy which prevailed in the 
community, and fearing " the Spirit had de- 
parted," " Why, brother," said he, " has 
not God promised to hear prayer ? He is 
trying your faith. He loves to have his 
children pray long ; because it does them 
good. If he always answered prayer im- 
mediately, his people would not pray at all, 
the blessing would come so easy. Go and 
pray, brother. Pray till you get tired and 
see if he won't hear you. His ear is not 
heavy that it cannot hear, nor his arm short- 
ened that it cannot save. I really believe 
iftwoor three members of this church would 
intercede at the throne of sovereign mercy 
we should have another revival." 

A few pious females at this time were in 
the habit of meeting to converse on religious 
10 



146 MEMOIR OF 

subjects and to pray for a revival. " Now/' 
said Mr. Hidden on learning this, " we 
shall have a revival ; "for when the women 
pray neither God nor man can resist. Oh ! 
these praying mothers will do more towards 
inducing the Spirit to visit us than all the 
rest." An aged mother in Israel called on 
him one day for religious conversation and 
said, " I know not what is to be done ; we 
are in so cold a state." " Done I" replied 
he, '^ why keep on importuning. You 
women are great hands to importune. God 
will not be angry with you. This is all 
you have got to do. God will visit us. I 
feel assured of it. We must have patience 
and carry our complaints to Jesus. He 
knows what is best for us." 

About this time a man was suddenly 
sent into eternity by the fall of a tree. He 
had lived without God in the world and 
was now sent into eternity without a mo- 
ment's warning. It created a deep sensa- 
tion in the community. Mr. Hidden im- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 147 

proved the occasion and endeavored to deep- 
en the feehng. The church were deeply- 
affected, and impenitent men felt the un- 
certainty of life and the awful destiny that 
awaited the ungodly. A meeting of the 
cliurch was held, in which they confessed 
their sins one to another and asked forgive- 
ness. Mr. Hidden was accustomed to re- 
mark that it was useless to expect a revival 
until the church could confess to each other 
tlieir faults. Said he, " if they don't con- 
fess them to each other they will not to 
God." At this church meeting he said, 
" Now brethren and sisters, we have got to 
work hard to get back where we were 
eight years since. But we can get back ; 
God will help us and we shall feel enough 
better when we get where we ought to be to 
pay us for our pains." 

The church was soon roused to activity. 
Said Mr. Hidden, " This was literally a re- 
vival of the church. This is what consti- 
tutes a revival, viz. to have eveiy member 



148 MEMOIR OF 

of the church alive to duty." But this work 
of grace was by no means confined to the 
church. There were not less than fifty 
hopeful conversions ; more than thirty of 
whom joined his church ; the rest went to 
other churches; This season of mercy was 
enjoyed with deep gratitude by Mr. Hidden--. 
His joy at the conversion of a sinner was 
unbounded. A thank offering was contin- 
ually made to God. No man ever felt more 
the necessity of the Spirit in the conversion 
of the soul. He bad no confidence in 
means only so far as the Spirit's influence at- 
tended them. 

A good degree of interest was preserved 
in the church till 1827, when another show- 
er of mercy descended to make glad the 
church of God. This was a season of great 
interest. There were about thirty hopeful 
conversions to Christ. 

In 1829, he enjoyed another revival. 
This work of grace began in the centre of 
the town. A young man had attended 



I 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 149 

school at Newhampton and while there ex- 
perienced the influence of divine grace. 
He returned late in the autumn with a strong 
desire to do good, to lead his friends and 
associates to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Prayer meetings were commenced through 
his instrumentality and many were induced 
to attend. Mr. Hidden improved every 
opportunity to deepen the impression already 
begun and roused the church to prayer and 
effort. The interest increased. The whole 
congregation were deeply affected. Never 
did they wrestle harder at the tlirone of 
grace than at this time. In the church 
were some who had sustained their pastor 
from almost his first settlement. They had 
witnessed many a refreshing from the Spirit 
of the Lord. They felt that this would be 
the last work of divine grace they might ev- 
er witness this side eternity. Many, fervent 
and importunate were the prayers they ad- 
dressed to heaven. So deep was the feel- 
ing that, for several Sabbaths, the after- 



150 MEMOIR OF 

noons were spent in prayer and conversa- 
tion with those who were sohcitious for the 
salvation of their souls. For many months, 
meetings for inquiry were held. In these 
Mr. Hidden seemed more like an inhabitant 
of heaven than like mortal. He was filled 
with rapturous joy. He felt a permanent 
and lively interest in the young. This 
work of mercy was confined almost exclu- 
sively to them. To see the lambs over 
whom he had watched coming into the fold 
of Christ filled him with holy emotions. 

This work continued through the winter 
of 1829, and spring of 1830. It resulted 
in the salvation of thirty, or forty souls, 
most of whom united with the church soon 
after. 

In 1831, the church had another season of 
spiritual interest. A protracted meeting. 
was held in the early part of the summer in 
which Mr. Hidden was assisted by clergy- 
men from neighboring towns. This was 
the first time he ever resorted to unusual 



I 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 151 

means of grace, or received special aid from 
abroad. Hitherto his people had listened to 
the truths of the Bible ; believed them and 
were saved. ThouMi himself of a sanguine 

o o 

temperament, he sedulously guarded against 
any unnatural excitement of the passions. 
He taught his people to discriminate be- 
tween the transient emotions of nature and 
the deep and permanent workings of the 
Holy Spirit. He appealed to reason, to 
common sense. At this time protracted 
meetings had been held in various places 
and attended with signal success. After 
much deliberation and earnest prayer on the 
part of the church and pastor, a season for 
this purpose was designated. The church 
had opened their hearts wide. They had 
strong faith. Their prayers were importu- 
nate. They employed every means for 
preparing the way of the Lord. At the ap- 
pointed season people came from all parts of 
the town and from neighboring towns also. 
The house was crowded with those anxious 



152 MEMOIR OF 

to hear the truth and gain the salvation of 
their souls through Jesus Christ. Sermons 
adapted to the occasion, were preached and 
set home to the heart and conscience. 
Prayers were offered in faith. The Spirit 
descended and many leaped for joy. They 
found peace in believing and joy in the Holy 
Ghost. 

The result of this meeting was glorious. 
Not less than fifty were hopefully convert- 
ed, though only about thirty subsequently 
united with the church. The rest united 
with other churches in neighboring towns. 

In the autumn of the following year, a 
similar meeting was held ; but the result of 
it was by no means equal to the preceding. 
The church however was benefited there- 
by. Some drops of mercy distilled. The 
hearts of Christians were warmed. Their 
graces were revived. The church grew 
and multiplied. 

In recording the revivals which Mr. Hid- 
den witnessed in his church, we have allud- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 153 

ed to those only of marked importance. 
There were others of less note in which the 
mercy of God was displayed. His church 
was a church of revivals. We doubt if any 
other enjoyed more in the same period 
of time. It was always made the occasion 
of special prayer if the church did not ex- 
perience the Spirit's special influence. Mr. 
Hidden was never satisfied with preaching 
from year to year and not see the word set 
home to the heart and conscience. He al- 
ways felt that something was wrong in the 
pastor or church. He endeavored to exam- 
ine his own heart and life, and humble him- 
self before God. His closet witnessed his 
tears of contrition, and his strong aspirations 
for more holiness, nearer conformity to the 
will of heaven. He endeavored to be hke 
his blessed Master, and to make the mem- 
bers of his church eminent for holiness. 
Lukewarmness and apathy found no coun* 
tenance with him. He felt that no church 
had a right to be considered the churcli of 



154 MEMOIR OF 

Christ if his Spirit dwelt not in it. Conse- 
quently he acted on this principle, and revi- 
val followed revival in quick succession. 

Nor are we to judge of the extent of his 
influence and usefulness from the revivals in 
his own church and the number added there- 
to. His influence was by no means limited 
to his own people. It b true, more than 
five hundred were added to his church who 
had been converted through his instrument- 
ality. But this is not half the number of 
those who believed on Christ through his 
preaching. His influence was felt over a 
large extent of territory. He was the great 
Apostle in all that region in which he dwelt. 
He was the sun around which lesser planets 
harmoniously revolved. When he settle-d 
in Tamworth there was no church in Eaton, 
Ossipee, Effingham, Newfield, or Sandwich. 
He was consequently the only Congrega- 
tional preacher for all these towns. They 
looked upon him as their spiritual guide. 
They resorted to his meetings. He went 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 155 

from town to town preaching " the word." 
Occasional Sabbaths were spent in these 
places. But during the week he preached 
in private houses and school houses, or barns. 
It was his common practice to ride ten, or 
fifteen miles, once or twice a week to preach 
in these destitute places. Thus he was 
rearing up churches in the wilderness. He 
had here Christians zealous for the honor of 
Christ. 

Ossipee. 

In 1806, a church was gathered in Ossi- 
pee through the influence of Mr. Hidden, 
consisting of twenty members. To this 
number there were added subsequently about 
forty through his instrumentality. This in- 
fant church, surrounded by foes and beset 
by temptations, he fostered with the same 
care a mother bestows upon her infant child. 
As often as duty would allow he broke to 
them the bread of life. He visited the 



156 MEMOIR OF 

members of the church, strengthened their 
resolutions and exhortad them to stand fast 
in the Lord. He often came among them 
unexpectedly, and calling on some beloved 
family would exclaim with a hearty shake of 
the hand, " Well, I have come to preach to 
you. Come, where shall we hold the meet- 
ings here at your house, or at some other 
place ? We must make haste, I must re- 
turn to-night ; but I can't go without preach- 
\ug with you." Forthwith the whole neigh- 
borhood would be in agitation ; men would 
leave their fields, and women their dairies 
"to hear the good man preach." The 
house would soon be crowded and he would 
preach with demonstration and power. 
These meetings were of a most interesting 
character. The people came together spon- 
taneously, literally " hungry for preaching." 
It did tliem good. Their faith was strength- 
ened. Their hopes confirmed. They had 
a foretaste of heaven. Mr. Hidden felt 
these to be most precious seasons to his own 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 157 

spirit. He would often say, after having 
preached on such occasion, " There, I feel 
better. Preaching does me good." 

He inspired a deep reverence in all who 
saw him. They felt he was the messenger 
of God, a prophet of the Most High. They 
felt too that he was their spiritual friend. 

At one time going into Ossipee to preach, 
he passed some men laboring near the road- 
side. They saw him passing and took off 
their hats in token of respect. One man 
however did not observe him until he had 
passed beyond him. He feit that he had 
offered an indignity to the man of God. 
How to atone for it he knew not. But ob- 
serving Mr. Hidden to stop some ways be- 
yond to converse with a stranger, he ran 
dlong the field beyond him and there busied 
himself in some mock-labor until he should 
pass by. Soon he rode up and the man 
made a most respectful bow, " hat in hand." 
" Why," said Mr. Hidden, '' I thought I 
saw you back there just now." He spoke 



158 MEMOIR OF 

this with such a penetrating look and arch- 
ness of meaning that the man thought he 
was betrayed and, with blushes, confessed 
the whole. 

At another time passing a school house in 
which he sometimes preached, the pupils 
besought their instructress to permit them 
to meet " the minister," seeing him upon 
rising ground. Permission was granted. 
They in silence and with modest smiles, 
took their stand on either side of the road ; 
and as he passed bowed and courtesied. 
This scene deeply affected Mr. Hidden. 
He liorhted from his horse and blessed the 

o 

little immortals and commended them to 
God in a most fervent prayer. 

" Even children followed with endearing wile, 
And plucked his gown, to share the good man'8 smile; 
His ready smile a parent's warmth expressed, 
Their welfare pleased him, and their cares distressed." 

So well did the people know that he 
came among them only to preach and pray, 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 159 

that once passing through the town on his 
way to some more remote place, the people 
seeing him, followed, supposing he would 
preach at a certain house. It is true, he 
called at this house but only to inquire after 
health. But they canle in and besought 
him to preach. This was just what he 
wished, but did not expect. He preached 
and was obliged to ride in the night as a 
consequence. 

Having at one time appointed a meeting 
at a private house and the people being 
assembled, he called for a Bible. The man 
was a miser and consequently thought more 
of a bright dollar than of a new Bible. He 
however presented Mr. Hidden with an 
apology for a Bible. Its leaves were shat- 
tered and a considerable portion of it gone. 
That part in which he had selected his text, 
before leaving home, was torn out. " Have 
you not a whole Bible ?" asked Mr. Hid- 
den. " There is as much as you will be 
able to preach from to-day," stammered the 



160 MEMOIR OF 

raan. He thought there was truth in the 
remark and selected another text without 
gainsaying. 

September, 1829, this church settled a 
pastor. Few in number and limited in re- 
sources they were obliged to make sacrifices. 
They did it cheerfully. Any plan suggests 
ed by him met their cordial approbation. 
They had already erected a convenient 
house, at the dedication of which he preach^- 
ed, and now they selected one to be their 
spiritual guide. This was the occasion of 
great joy to him. He felt how much they 
needed some one to minister unto them in 
spiritual things continually. The church 
multiplied and the cause of Christ prospered. 
But they never loved Mr. Hidden the less. 
They looked upon him as their father. 
They sought his counsel in all difficult cases. 
They abided by his decisions. He never 
withdrew his care from them. In the revi- 
vals which the church afterwards enjoyed 
he was present. The Lord added unto the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 161 

church daily such as were ordained unto 
life. In relating their experiences, it is re- 
marked, that almost all referred their first re- 
ligious impressions to some sermon he had 
preached, prayer offered, or some precious 
word he had spoken. 

The difficulties which the church after- 
wards experienced occasioned unspeakable 
sorrow. For whole nights he gave no 
sleep to his eyes nor slumber to his eyelids. 
He prayed that the divisions might be 
healed and that he who had been constituted 
their spiritual guide might prove in heart 
and life what he had pledged himself to be. 
But in this his hopes were blasted. Said 
he, " I have never had my heart wrung with 
such anguish in all the trials I have wit- 
nessed. This is a bitter cup. It seems as 
though the Lord was making a trial of my 
faith." 

The church however was preserved. It 
has since experienced the displays of divine 
grace. They have continued to enjoy the 
11 



162 MEMOIR OF 

preached word. The wilderness and the 
sohtary place have been made glad for 
those, 

" Who stand on Zion's hill ! 

Who bring salvation on their tongues, 

And words of peace reveal I" 

Sandwich. 

Sandwich, like Ossipee, had been desti- 
tute of a church until 1814, and without a 
settled ministry, until 1827. This was also 
the field of Mr. Hidden's usefulness and la- 
bors. With no Congregational preacher, 
they were accustomed to ride ten miles, or 
more, to attend his preaching. His influ- 
ence on this town was great. The revivals 
which commenced at home extended here. 
He spent occasional Sabbaths with them and 
often preached during the week. They 
welcomed him as their spiritual guide. 
They joyed at his approach and wept at 
his departure. All sought his company. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 163 

He had here some choice spirits who loved 
him as their hfe. Their houses were ever 
open for his reception. He went among 
them to labor. He preached in barns, school 
houses and private dwellings. They hast- 
ed to the place of worship. They were fed 
with heavenly manna. Said Mr. Hidden, 
'' I love to preach to the people of Sand- 
wich, they love preaching so well." 

In 1814, a church was gathered through 
his influence in connexion with the Mission- 
ary labor and influence of Rev. William 
Cogswell. He administered to them the 
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. He ex- 
horted them to be united and steadfast in 
the Lord. He cherished this little flock 
with his warmest affections. He conceived 
them to be a branch of his own famity. 
He warned them of their danger. He estab- 
lished them in the faith. He fed them with 
spiritual food. He endeavored to train them 
for hidier and holier scenes in heaven. 



164 MEMOIR OF 

" And as a bird each fond endearment tries, 
To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, 
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." 

He saw this little church at length able 
to settle a pastor. He rejoiced that they were 
to have a shepherd to lead them in green 
pastures and by still waters. For this he 
had long prayed. They had already erected 
a house of worship and dedicated it to Al- 
mighty God, he preaching on the occasion. 
In 1827, a pastor was installed over this in- 
fant church. It has since enjoyed the out- 
pourings of the Spirit. Its numbers great- 
ly increased. During his whole life he 
continued to exercise a parental care over 
it. In their seasons of revivals he was 
there. His presence was deemed indispens- 
able. The people almost felt that nothing 
could be done without him ; that no man's 
prayers prevailed like his at the court ot 
heaven. 

In a seniion of his preached before this 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 165 

church and people he holds the following 
lano;uao;e. 

" To you my brethren and sisters I must 
address a few words. The Lord has won- 
derfully preserved you. He has blessed 
you even beyond what you had anticipated. 
To you this is an interesting occasion. You 
have one now to break unto you continually 
the bread of life. He will feed you with 
knowledge and understanding. He will 
counsel you in trials. He will administer 
consolation under affliction. He will visit 
you in sickness and pray for your souls. 
Yes, my brethren, he will preach your 
funeral sermons ! When the soul has gone 
to its reward he will tell of your deeds and 
console those left to mourn. This is a sad 
office. Oh, how sad, if the soul departs 
unreconciled to God ! 

It becomes you first to pray for yourselves 
and pastor. Prayer must not be neglected. 
The prophets prayed and God heard them. 
The Apostles and Martyrs prayed and God 



166 MEMOIE OF 

heard them too. You pray in faith and you 
shall be heard. You should pray lest you 
fall into temptation, lest you become cold in 
your affections. You should pray for your 
pastor. He needs your prayers. Pray that 
he may be guided into all truth ; that he 
may have wisdom to direct his steps ; that 
he may go in and out before you in all sin- 
cerity and love. 

You should pray for union. Union is 
strength. United, you stand ; divided, you 
fall. Oh ! if disunion and discord, wrang- 
lings and hard feelings creep into this 
church, God only knows the baneful effects 
which will result ! Stand ye firm and im- 
moveable. Turn not to the right hand nor 
to the left. Let it ever be said, " see how 
these Christians love ope another. God is 
a God of union. He frowns on him who 
rends and divides. If you have hard feel- 
ings go right to the throne of mercy and 
banish them. Let love be without dissim- 
ulation. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 167 

Oh, my brethren, I rejoice with fear and 
trembling for this church. You are my 
children in Christ. I have preached unto 
you the gospel, and I have tried to feed you 
with such meat as was suited to your wants. 
I have been with you in prosperity and in 
adversity. I have stood by your sick beds 
and administered the consolations of the 
gospel. I have sprinkled holy water upon 
you in baptism and have heard you cove- 
nant before men and God to be his forever. 
I have prayed for you and your children. 
And now I am old, gray headed. My days 
are almost numbered. I must soon stand 
before God in judgment. Oh, shall it be 
found that the blood of any of you is upon 
my skirts ! God forbid. Shall any of you 
upon whom I have invoked the name of the 
Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, 
fail to meet me in heaven ? Brethren, this 
is an awful reflection ! I tremble while I 
stand in this sacred desk and look around on 
these precious souls, and think of the awful 



168 MEMOIR OF 

scenes of the judgment day. There pas- 
tors and people, parents and children, will 
be separated forever ! Oh, the thought of 
such a separation ! Let it not be so with 
us. God is my witness that without ceasing 
I make mention of you always in my prayers. 
I now commend you to God and the word 
of his grace. Pray, brethren. Do pray. 
God will hear your prayers. And we shall 
get to heaven at length through Jesus Christ 
strengthening us." 

Such was his love for this people and 
such his apprehensions. How far the latter 
have been verrified time has shown. But 
this much is certain, his love for them was 
deep and pervading. Well may his mem- 
ory be dear to this people. Well may they 
cherish it. He first loved them. He first 
taught them to lisp the name of Jesus. Un- 
grateful must they now be to forget the 
warmest friend, the safest guide, the unerr- 
\n<i counsellor, and the humblest Christian. 
Let them venerate his name, perpetuate his 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 169 

memory, listen to his advice, follow his ex- 
ample, and seek to meet him in heaven. 
This was the burden of his prayers. He 
prayed long for them. His closet witnessed 
his devotion, and his tears. The very pa- 
per on which he penned the words we have 
just quoted was bedewed with his tears. 
Indications of them are on every page. 
Precious tears were those ! They were all 
seen by God himself. They had their rise 
in a soul whose love was deep, almost 
boundless. They gushed from an overflow- 
ing heart. The sympathies of his nature 
were all warmly enlisted. He saw the dan- 
gei-s that beset this little band he had cher- 
ished. But he weeps no more ! 

North Sandmch. 

This little church is situated in the north- 
ern part of Sandwich, about six miles from 
tlie one we have just mentioned. Former- 
ly it was united to the other, but in 1 832, it 



170 MEMOIR OF 

was formed into a distinct church. Hither- 
to it has united with that in the support of 
the ministry, one pastor being settled over 
both churches. This enjoyed preaching 
one thu-d of the time. This church is lo- 
cated in an isolated spot, surrounded almost 
by an amphitheatre of mountains and hills. 
Here Mr. Hidden was early accustomed to 
preach. Here lived a little band of kindred 
spirits. Announcing his intention to preach, 
the information was soon given to all the 
families. 

" With ready zeal each honest rustic ran," 

to hear proclaimed the truths which were 
spirit and life to his soul. He trained up a 
little band for heaven. 

" A skilful workman he 
In God's great moral vineyard ; what to prune 
With cautious hand he knew, what to uproot; 
What were mere weeds, and what celestial plants 
Which had unfading vigor in them, knew ; 
Nor knew alone, but watched them night and day. 
And reared and nourished them, till fit to be 
Transplanted to the Paradise above." 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 171 

One time having an appointment to 
preach at this place and assaying to go 
there, found the road blocked up with 
snow. Consequently he called on a family 
with whom he was partially acquainted, 
told them what his business was and said, 
" why can't we have preaching here ? I 
can't get there. Come, call in your neigh- 
bors and I will preach." They cheerfully 
acceeded to the proposal and as many came 
as circumstances would allow. Some 
months after a man came to him in great an- 
guish of spirit to know what he should do to 
be saved. Said he, I *' have not had a mo- 
ment's peace since you preached in our 
neighborhood. I am bowed down to the 
earth. Tell me. Sir, what I must do." 
Mr. Hidden directed bun to the Lamb of 
God and commended him to God at the 
throne of grace. '' Now," said he, '* pray 
for yourself." He did so and left the house 
a new creature in Christ Jesus. 

**Ah!" said Mr. Hidden, ''I never 



172 MEMOIR OF 

thought of any good coming from that meet- 
ing, yet God has saved an immortal spirit by 
means of it." 

He ever cherished a parental regard for 
this little church. He preached here occa- 
sionally until his death. 

Thus we see Mr. Hidden planting these 
little colonies. He fostered them by his 
prayers and labors. He had no desire to 
build up one church only ; his views were 
broad. He saw that by planting those little 
colonus they would become flourishing 
churches with places of worship dedicated 
to Almighty God and those to watch for 
their souls as they that must give an ac- 
coimt. He foresaw that in future years glo- 
rious revivals would be witnessed in them. 
This proved to be the fact. Great have 
been the results ; greater than others could 
have anticipated. It must have been a 
source of great delight to Mr. Hidden's pi- 
ous heart, to see these little churches plant- 
ed in the wilderness increasing in numbers. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 173 

growing in influence and giving indications 
of future greatness. But he ever felt that, 
though he had planted and watered, it was 
God who gave the increase. 



174 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 

His interest in education — Knoivledge of 
the classics — His interest in the young — 
His patriotism — Benevolence — Famili- 
arity with others — Cheerfulness. 

Hitherto we have spoken of Mr. Hidden 
only in connection with his own church and 
other churches planted through his instru- 
mentaUty. 

We are now to speak of him in his other 
departments of labor and influence. 

Mr. Hidden took a lively interest in the 
education of the risino; o;eneration. When 
he came to Tamworth but little progress 
had been made. There were but four 
school houses in the town. The amount 
of money for the support of these was small. 
The inhabitants generally were too much 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. ♦175 

engrossed in the cares incident to a new 
country, to do much for the instruction of 
their children who could not be spared from 
labor without great sacrifices and when 
they might be spared often no competent 
teacher was to be found. From the several 
acts of the town it appears they were ready 
to make what sacrifices might be made. 
School houses were early erected, and teach- 
ers employed so far as circumstances would 
allow. 

Mr. Hidden gave a new impulse. He 
early engaged in teaching. This he did 
with a special reference to qualifying young 
ladies and gentlemen for the important and 
responsible duties of teachers. These were 
what the town at that time most needed. He 
soon raised up teachers well qualified to in- 
struct in the rudiments of education. 
Schools multiplied and a general interest 
was felt by the people. Previous to this 
various superstitions prevailed among the in- 
habitants such as are natural to a new settle- 



176 MEMOIR OF 

ment and such eventful periods. But — 

" Where'er he went, 
This lesson still he taught, To fear no ill 
But sin, no being but Almighty God.". 

He induced the town to devise more lib- 
eral measures for the support of common 
schools. Accordingly they raised more 
money than the law required. He had the 
cure of all the schools. He stimulated the 
pupils to more vigorous study by holding up 
to them characters worthy their imitation ; 
by unfolding to them the destinies that 
awaited ; by pointing out a life of honora- 
ble deeds as the legitimate result of close 
application to study in youth, and by re- 
minding them of the claims which their pa- 
rents had to their unremitted toil. He al- 
ways made these visits cheerful and interest- 
ing. 

During the seasons in which the com- 
mon schools were not in operation he opened 



ii 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 177 

his own house and instructed classes in the 
various branches of education. 

The following has been kindly prepared 
for this work by a gentleman who enjoyed 
his instruction. 

'' Agreeably to your request I seat myself 
to pen you a few thoughts relative to the 
character of Mr. Hidden's instruction. I 
would therefore ask you to imagine yourself 
seated in his reception room with a class of 
ten or fifteen pupils. 

During the whole recitation he seems ab- 
sorbed in reflections of a solemn nature. 
He feels that a great responsibility is resting 
upon him ; that he is moulding characters 
for eternity ; shaping their destinies. Will 
these grow up to be useful members in soci- 
ety ? Will they guard well the liberties of 
their country, purchased with blood, when 
we who are now acting our part, are sleep- 
ing beneath the clod ? Will these become 
firm pillars in the spiritual temple of the 
Lord Almighty ? Will they adhere to the 
12 



}78 MEMOIR OF 

faith of their fathei's and sustain the prec- 
ious ordinances of the gospel ? Or will 
they prove recreant to their highest interest ? 
Prove a curse to their country and a scourge 
to the church ? Will they finally be admit- 
ted to God's right hand and spend an eter- 
nity in celebrating the wonders of redeeming 
love — 

" Sing loud, and vvavo 
Their palms of triumphs ! sing where is thy sting. 
O Death ! Where is thy victory, O grave ! 
Thanks be to God, eternal thanks who gave 
Us victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.'' 

Or shall they sink to a night of eternal 
wailing ? Such seem to be the thoughts 
that occupied his mind. We saw him — 

" Burning with love to souls, 
Unquenchable, and mindful still of his 
Great charge and vast responsibility." 

He ever seemed to feel that he was trans- 
acting business for eternity and to do good 
was his chief delight. As a teacher I think 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 179 

he must have been (juite accurate. With 
the ehissics he was very fainihar. He un- 
derstood tlie philosophy of lan«ruage. The 
Greek and Latin were favorite studies. He 
never hiid them aside ; but rather grew in 
the knowledge of thoni. Never shall I for- 
get the interest with whieh I read Virgil to 
him. This I/Uiii jmet was perfectly famil- 
iar to liim. 1I(^ had an exhaustless fund of 
anecdotes and illustrations wherewith to 
render perspicuous every sentiment. He 
carried us hack to the time of the great poet 
of nature and we seemed to live amidst the 
scenes of which he sung. Wo mingled in 
the strife of war, llio din of battles, the rus- 
tic dance and the hall of merriment. He- 
roic valor was there ; Herculean strength ; 
undying love of liherty, friendship's silken 
lies. These were stirring scenes for our 
youthful spirits. He took delight in witness- 
ing the youthful eye sparkle with joy and 
the countenance radiant with hope. Ho 
endeavored to make this author beloved by 



180 MEMOIR OF 

US. He succeeded. We vowed eternal 
friendship for the bard that could throw such 
a charm over the dull realities of life, and 
gild nature with such gorgeous tints. 

Not less interesting did he make our reci- 
tations in Cicero. The history of Greece 
and Rome were at his command. Every 
battle fought, every victory won or lost ; 
every interesting anecdote of statesmen, 
poets, and orators were all familiar. His 
memory was a store-house of whatever had 
been heroically done or felicitously said. The 
facts of their history, the deeds of their he- 
roes, the philosophy of their sages, were 
all treasured up. The thoughts that breathe 
and words that burn were at his command. 
He entered into the spirit of the author ; 
pointed out the beauties. When the great 
orator frowned upon the traitor Cataline, he, 

" Frowning now indignantly, seemed 
As if offended Justice, from his eye, 
Streamed forth vindictive wrath !" 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 181 

I have never seen a man who could speak 
the sentiments of his heart so well with his 
eye, and the expression of his countenance. 
If he could not give us the exact shade of 
meaning by words, he would read the origin- 
al and we watch his countenance, and the 
truth was made plain. 

He read the Greek with great fluency. 
In reading the Testament, all the powers of 
his great mind were brought into action. 
Of the genius and philosophy of the lan- 
guage, he was complete master. But the 
great truths it revealed inspired the most 
elevated thoughts and the deepest venera- 
tion. The difficult parts he elucidated by 
happy illustrations from nature. His com- 
ments partook of a profundity of theological 
knowledge rarely surpassed. I have ever 
wondered at the extent of his views and the 
vastness of his comprehension. 

'* His intellectual strength 
And knowledge vast, to men of lesser minds 
Seemed infinite ; yet, from his high pursuits, 



182 MEMOIR OF 

And reasonings most profound, he still returned 
Home, with an humbler and warmer heart; 
And none so lowly bowed before his God." 

Had he been placed in different circum- 
stances ; had God cast his lot where — 

'' Thought meeting thought, and thought awakening 

thought 
And mingling still with thought," 

he would have shown a star of the first mag- 
nitude in the galaxy of literary men. He 
possessed a giant intellect. His thoughts 
were profound ; his perception quick ; he sur- 
veyed vast regions at once. His analytical 
powers were unsurpassed. His imagination 
was lively ; his memory vast, his judg- 
ment deep. He had all the elements of a 
great mind. He had studied human nature 
with great accuracy. He looked 

" Far down 

Into the heart, where passion wove a web 

Of thousand, thousand threads, in grain and hue 

All different." 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 183 

But God shapes the destinies of men. He 
planted him in the wilderness to make it 
vocal with praise. His influence, in the wil- 
derness though he might be, was greater 
than that of almost any other man. Eterni- 
ty will only reveal its extent. But let it ev- 
er be remembered that his — 

*' Main design. 
In all his contemplations, was to trace, 
The wisdom, providence, and love of God, 
And to his fellows, less observant, show 
Them forth." 

Not only did the youth of his own town 
avail themselves of his instruction, but great 
numbers flocked to him from neighboring 
towns. They came even fifty, or sixty 
miles, becoming permanent scholars. 

Not only did he teach the natural and 
moral sciences, but fitted large numbers for 
the higher departments of instruction. He 
instructed many for entrance upon the study 
of medicine ; of others for the study of Law ; 



184 MEMOIR OF 

and great numbers for Colleges. Rarely 
has any private man qualified more. These 
men are now in their spheres shaping the 
destinies of the nation. Their influence is 
felt not only in this State but others. Many 
of them are men of eminence. 

He also assisted others in the study of 
sacred Theology. These have been teach- 
ing the way of life and salvation. Souls 
have been saved through their instrumen- 
tality. 

Another branch of Mr. Hidden's instruc- 
tion was Sacred Music. He early mani- 
fested a strong passion for this delightful 
branch of education. He felt that all nature 
moved in wonted harmony. There was 
something in music which corresponded to 
that within. His soul was most in harmony 
with heaven. To sing the praises thereof 
touched cords that thrilled with the keenest 
emotions. Notes of music waked his soul 
to love and transport : it was the toc^ 
sin of his soul. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 185 

On coming to Tamworth he opened 
schools and quahfied many to lead choirs. 
He had a choice choir in his own Church, 
of which he was always the chorister. In 
all his meetings he pitched the tunes and 
sung, standing erect in his pulpit, never sit- 
ting after the commencment of service until 
the close of it. He continued to do so 
through life. He possessed a correct ear 
for music, a discriminating taste, a strong, 
stentorian, mellow voice, modulating any 
note from the base to the treble. There was 
no music he could not read with accuracy. 
He taught it in many of the neighboring 
towns. 

He was also, an amateur of instrumental 
music. The Bass-viol was his favorite in- 
strument. With this he discoursed music 
to admiration. 

Another department of Mr. Hidden's use- 
fulness in imparting instruction was the Bi- 
ble-class. To this he devoted himself with 
great zeal. He had ever lamented the igno- 



186 MEMOIR OF 

ranee of the Bible, which prevailed in the 
Churches generally. He felt that more 
thorough biblical knowledge was the great 
desideratum. He dreaded ignorance more 
than any vice. Consequently, early in his 
ministry he instituted the Bible-class, and 
taught with great success. He took an ac- 
tive interest in the instruction of the children 
on the Sabbath. He had urged upon pa- 
rents the duty of teaching at home the Cate- 
chism, that most invaluable mode of impart- 
ing religious knowledge. This was gener- 
ally observed. A child who could not re- 
peat his catechism was considered a disgrace 
to the community. What, find in those days, 
a child ignorant of the contents of that little 
book ! No : this was in every family. 
The parents every Sabbath evening assem- 
bled their children and asked questions, and 
they answered them with scrupulous exact- 
ness. 

Such was Mr. Hidden's influence in the 
cause of education in all its departments. It 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 187 

is true he was honored by no high Degrees 
or proud Titles. These he never sought — 

" Remote from towns he ran Jiis godly race, 

Nor e'er had changed, nor wislied to change his place. 

Unpractised he to fawn or seek for power, 

By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour ; 

Far other aims his heart had learned to prize, 

More bent to raise the wretched than to rise." 

He was however for many years Presi- 
dent of the Board of Trustees of Fryeburg 
Academy. He labored for its prosperity and 
deeply lamented the troubles which so long 
distracted this institution. For a lono: time 
its usefulness was suspended. God howev- 
er removed some of its enemies, and since 
it has continued to exert a salutary influence 
on the community. Mr. Hidden felt a live- 
ly interest in its welfare and prayed for its 
success. 

His Patriotism. 

As we have already seen, Mr. Hidden 
early embraced the cause of his suffering 



188 MEMOIR OF 

country. He cheerfully shared in her suf- 
ferings, fought her battles, and won her vic- 
tories with the daring spirits of '76. His was 
not a spirit to sit down in ease while his 
country bled. He preferred sheding his 
own blood to ignominy. Naturally bold 
and generous, the camp and the stirring 
scenes of war waked his chivalrous soul. 

These same principles which actuated his 
youth guided him in after years. He loved 
his country devotedly, and rejoiced in her 
prosperity. He looked to the " God of 
Hosts" for her protection. He informed 
himself accurately of all the great political 
questions of the times, weighed the argu- 
ments on either side, and formed an opinion 
of their merits. He felt himself interested 
in whatever concerned the public good. Be- 
cause he had taken upon him the office and 
duties of the ministry he never dreamed, 
with many of the present day, that he must 
lay aside his character of the patriot and feel- 
ings of a soldier, actuated with holy motives. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 189 

Blood and carnage, were as repugnant to 
his sensibilities as to those who are willing 
to lay aside the character of the man and 
sink into a state of insignificance where little 
minds repose. He held that religion did not 
require him to sacrifice any inherent princi- 
ple of his nature. It required the soldier to 
lay aside his arms and the love of them in 
times of peace, but when the alarm of dan- 
ger was heard, to resume them again. 

He often remarked that he could " not 
conceive how the country could well dis- 
pense with the talents and piety of those 
who are called to the ministry. The priests 
were formerly commanded to sound the 
trumpets and go around the walls. Moses 
must stretch his hand over the plain, and 
Aaron and Hur must hold it up. They too 
were interested in all the affairs of the 
state. But now the priest must observe the 
silence of death. He must stand a mere 
machine, a mummy well embalmed." He 
thought that they who were safe guides in 



190 MEMOIR OF 

morals and religion should exercise a due 
influence in politics. He taught his people 
to mingle religion in all the transactions of 
life, not to lay it aside as some costly jewel 
to be looked at and worn on special occa- 
sions, but that it should be an every day 
garment ; that it should pervade, sanctify 
and elevate the whole life. 

He was as far removed from the spirit 
and conduct of the demagogue as heaven is 
from earth. He looked with pity upon such 
a man. He would have men go to the bal- 
lot-box unbiassed and fearless. This he al- 
ways did. This was a sacred right due to 
a patriot and soldier. He gained respect 
thereby. No man will be despised for act- 
ing out his honest principles. It is not in 
nature to do it. 

The difficulties which led to the war of 
1812, he had devoutly prayed might be 
amicably adjusted. But had he seen a spir- 
it of oppression in the conduct of England, 
his was not a voice to be raised asrainst the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 19*1 

act of Congress. Had his country needed 
his services he would have obeyed her sum- 
mons with the same cheerfulness and spirit 
which animated his youthful bosom at the 
capture of Burgoyne. The anniversary of 
our Independance was to him a season of 
deep gratitude to the God of battles. He 
always took this occasion to remind his peo- 
ple of the sufferings and dangers, the noble, 
generous patriotism of our fathers ; of the 
oppression which forced them to arms ; and 
of the goodness of Jehovah in going to bat- 
tle with them ; of the distinguished privi- 
leges they, their posterity, now enjoyed and 
the obligations under which they were laid 
to respect their memory, to guard well the 
liberties entrusted and to return grateful 
thanks to Almighty God for his signal mer- 
cies. 

Previous to elections he was accustomed 
to preach " election sermons." In these he 
explained and enforced the duties which, 
theV; as citizens owed their country, and 



192 MEMOIR OF 

the manner in which these duties should be 
performed ; with what spirit they should be 
actuated ; the motives which should lead to 
action. 

These were delivered with a spirit of 
candor and fairness. They had a salutary 
eftect in allaying the harsh and angry feel- 
ings engendered by the exciting nature of 
pending controversies. They were adapted 
to remind them of the cognizance which 
God takes of all actions and their liability to 
err in judgment. He always opened elec- 
tions whh an address to the throne of grace. 

He officiated as chaplain to the nine- 
teenth Regiment of Militia for about thirty 
years. When thus called to address the 
throne of mercy he never lost sight of his 
great object, viz. to do good. He prayed 
with much fervor and, what by many may 
be deemed almost incredible, some have 
ascribed their first permanent religious im- 
pressions to the prayers he offered on the 
field. This is a well authenticated fact* 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 193 

Silence every where prevailed when he en- 
gaged in this solemn act. They viewed 
him as the — 

" Great plenipotent of heaven, 
And representative of God on earth." 

In his own town whenever the soldiers 
were assembled for a 'driir they were drawn 
up in a " hollow-square," and he in the 
midst offered devout supplications to heaven. 
This gave a solemnity to the occasion. 

" Light-thoughted Mirth grew serious, and wept 
The laugh profane sunk in a sigh." 

He felt that in all places where there was 
a heart, there was an opportunity to do good. 
His fellow men were assembled in obedience 
to the laws of the State. It was his duty 
to encourge this obedience. And besides, 
an opportunity was here offered him to sym- 
pathize with them under the burden thus im- 
posed. He thereby gained their esteem ; won 
13 



194 MEMOIR OF 

their affections and prepared the way for 
more extensive influence over their minds by 
removing prejudices which naturally exist 
between such men and tlie preacher. 

His Benevolence. 

Benevolence was a prominent characteris- 
tic of Mr. Hidden. By benevolence we do 
not mean simply the bestowal of this world's 
goods, but we mean a benevolence in feel- 
ing as well as in giving. It is true, his house 
was ever an asylum for the needy and dis- 
tressed. Many a man has been fed at his 
table and clothed from his wardrobe. Such 
were his circumstances in that new country, 
that he was able to assist the poor. He em- 
ployed them on his farm and paid their taxes. 
He often did this to his own injury. But 
the law of love was in his heart. It lived 
there and glowed. It gave character to his 
every action. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 195 

" Wliat he possessed he counted not his own, 

But like a faithful steward in a house 

Of public alms, what freely he received 

He frcelj gave, distributing to all 

The helpless, the last might beyond his own 

Temperate support, and reckoning still the gift 

But justice, due to want." 

Many a school-boy has found at his house 
what he despaired of enjoying at home. 
The httle lads, poor and hungry, were often 
called in by his wife and fed with a kindness 
which often drew tears of joy from the little 
sufferers. They now rise up to pronounce 
blessings. 

The various benevolent objects of the day 
shared in his sympathies and prayers. He 
looked upon these as the means under God 
of the world's conversion. The Bible, 
Tract, and Missionary cause found a pow- 
erful advocate in him. 

He took broad views of their operations. 
The thouglit of the world's conversion to 
Christ, to which these objects looked, filled 
him with holiest joy and transport. None 



196 MEMOIR OF 

who ever attended, can forget the interest 
with which he sustained the Monthly Con- 
cert of Prayer for Foreign Missions. He 
prayed that the time might soon come when 
the islands of the sea should wait for God's 
law and dark and benighted Africa stretch 
her hands to heaven. His was an expansive 
benevolence. He embraced the entire world 
in his affections. 

"As one 
Sole family of brothers, sisters, friends, 
One in their origin, one in their rights 
To all the common gifts of providence. 
And in hopes, their joys, their sorrows one 
He viewed the universal human race." 

It mattered not to him whether they wor- 
shipped at the shrine of the great Prophet, 
shouted before the Carr of Juggernaut or 
offered incense to some " unknown God." 
They were all his brethren. 

His benevolence was particularly manifes- 
ted towards the sick. He viewed this world 
a great hospital in which prevailed every 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 197 

Species of malady and woe ; where were the 
sick and the dying. He conceived it the 
duty of those in health to minister cordials 
to the sick : to pour wine and oil into their 
wounds and assv.age their anguish. What 
he was in sentiment, he was in action. 

" Beside the bed where parting life was laid, 
And sorrow, guilt, and pain, by turns dismayed, 
The reverend champion stood. At his control 
Despair and anguish fled the struggling soul ; 
Comfort came down, the trembling wretch to raise, 
And his last faltering accents whispered praise." 

He made his visits to the cot of poverty 
as readily as to the mansion of wealth. The 
cry of distress had a power to enlist his sym- 
pathies from whatever source it came. The 
early mom, dewy eve and midnight's silent 
hour, found him by the bed of the sick and 
dying. No cold of winter or heat of sum- 
mer prevented. There he was in tears. He 
cheered them amidst their gloom and sad- 
ness, speaking of the Balm of Gilead and 
of the Physician there. He directed their 



198 MEMOIR OF 

thoughts to the Lamb of God. He always 
led them upward and spoke of the joys which 
are laid up for the redeemed. To the un- 
converted he spoke words of mildness, but 
assured them of the awful doom that awaited 
the ungodly. He insisted upon an immedi- 
ate surrender to God. He pointed out the 
danger of procrastination. They became 
alarmed and prostrate for mercy called. 

Never perhaps did any man effect more at 
the bed of sickness and death. There his 
great soul had room for action. No pen- 
cil can paint, or language describe the varied 
aspects his countenance assumed during the 
same visit. He knew how to adapt himself 
to their various necessities. He smiled when 
peace of spirit prevailed, but when the spir- 
it was about to rush into the presence of 
God unforgiven, the anguish within was de- 
picted in his countenance. 

This was the secret of his great success in 
twining about him the affections of all 
classes; and in winning souls to Christ. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 199 

" Needy, poor 

And dying men, like music hoard liis feet 
Approach their beds ; and guilty wretches took 
New hope, and in his prayers wept and smiled 
And blessed him, as they died forgiven and all 
Saw in his face contentment, in his life, 
The path to glory and perpetual joy." 

Without his presence the dying thought it 
hard to die. Those who cursed him while 
in health, when the " grim messenger" came, 
when they were to launch into eternity, ask- 
ed for his prayers. He often remarked that 
"there was one time when the ungodly 
would listen to his preaching, on a sick and 
dying bed. " In his duty prompt at every 
call," he was there to light the spirit on its 
way through the valley and shadow of 
death, to pray its passage safe to the haven 
of eternal rest. The blasphemer and the 
thoughtless in deep repentance prayed before 
him and found forgiveness. 



200 MEMOIR OF 

His Familiarity. 

Familiarity with all persons was a remar- 
kable trait in his character. Perhaps no 
charge is oftener preferred against clergy- 
men of the present day, than the want of 
this valuable trait of character. To be use- 
ful the preacher must in some way manifest 
a fellow-feeling with all men — a sympathy 
convincing all that his only motive is love ; 
and his object the salvation of their souls. 
To all men, however are not allowed the 
same gift. When one qualification is deni- 
ed, another is given as a compensation. Yet 
it is the duty of all ministers to aim at per- 
fection in manner and life ; to be qualified 
for every good word and work, that by any 
means they may save some. 

This was Mr. Hidden's aim through life. 
Gifted by nature beyond the common lot of 
men, he strove to adapt himself to the ca- 
pacities and circumstances of all. He had 
all the sensibilities of a man. No Monkish 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 201 

austerity was his. The cowl and the clois- 
ter httle suited his nature. Moroseness, af- 
fected sanctity, a sad, gloomy countenance, 
when there was no occasion for it, were to 
him sure indications of a heart ill at ease. 
Cheerfulness, a countenance beaming with 
christian joy, frankness of manner, " a soul 
all love," in his estimation were the badges 
of a pious heart. He conversed with all 
with the same ease. His acquaintance with 
men and things enabled him to converse on 
all topics with the same interest, making all 
subjects and all occasions subservient to his 
great aim, the impressing the mind with re- 
ligious sentiments. 

This familiarity, instead of diminishing the 
dignity and respect due the ambassador of 
heaven, increased it. No man maintained 
dignity or gained respect more successfully 
than he, though he seemed never to think of 
either. He knew his duty and resolved 
to do it. He thought not of that ty- 
rant, public opinion. He courted the favor 



202 MEMOIR OF 

of none but heaven, knowing^ that by so do- 
ing he should win the esteem of all good men 
and silence the mouth of the ungodly. He 
avoided every thing of a mechanical nature 
in his intercourse with his people. He act- 
ed spontaneously. He would not suffer the 
restraints which are now thrown around the 
preacher. He was never hedged in, crippled 
trammeled and bandaged up like modern 
men. He moved in his own orbit and suf- 
fered none to divert him therefrom. 

In our day there are ten thousand re- 
straints imposed upon the preacher, not so 
much to keep him from doing ill as from 
acting at all. He is not allowed to act him- 
self freely. Public opinion with its Argus 
eyes watches over him more keenly than 
ever. It describes the path to be trod and 
the duties to be performed, and wo to him 
who chances to pass the line of demarca- 
tion. Forthwith " his usefulness is at an 
cndy^ and he must take up his line of march. 
The ties which he has formed must be sev- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 203 

ered. Not a charge, perhaps, that would 
weigh in the balance of heaven, is preferred 
against him, yet he must go. And why ? 
Because " his usefulness is at an end.^^ Be- 
cause he does not suit the fastidious taste of 
those who find it hard to maintain the ap- 
pearance of religion without constant novel- 
ty. Excitement alone keeps them from ap- 
pearing in all their native deformity. Such 
men can exhibit signs of life only when '^ the 
pressure" is high. A new minister can 
alone raise the temperature. 

Thus the preacher's influence is crippled. 
Instead of prescribing what others should 
do they dictate what he must perform. The 
tables are turned. The ministry is insecure. 
The cause of Christ bleeds in consequence. 
Mechanism, coldness every where prevails. 

This state of things, Mr. Hidden began to 
witness before his death and depricated it. 
He felt keenly on this point. He resisted 
such a state of things with all the energy of 
his pious soul. He trembled lest his own 



204 MEMOIR OF 

Church should become infected, with the 
spirit which elsewhere prevailed, after his 
" departure." He wished to see a whole- 
hearted ministry, fearless of all but God — 
faithful anlbaSsadors who, 

" High in the temple of the living God, 
Should stand, amidst the people and declare 
Aloud the truth, the whole revealed truth, 
Ready loseal it with their blood." 

On this principle he acted. When the 
path of duty was plainly made known, he 
did not ask what this man, or that woman 
would say of this, or that course ; but he 
sought direction only from an unerring God. 
He performed the duties which were obvi- 
ous, knowing that the best teacher of duties 
which lie dim to us is the performance of 
those which are at hand and are seen. He 
mingled freely among his people. He knew 
what they did and what they needed. He 
lived among his people and at the same time 
ahove them. He was not a man to closet 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 205 

himself up in his study, a mere book-worm, 
and come forth to his people at stated times 
with " doctrines fashioned to the varying 
hour," to 

" Mount the pulpit with a haughty mien. 

Where more of pride tlian godliness is seen," 

and "blunder through his prayers," not 
knowing what kind of food his congrega- 
tion needed. The Sabbath was to him a 
day of love, of '' scalding" tears and melting 
invitations to the gospel banquet. 

This familiarity gave him great influence. 
Others sought his advice in all difficulties. 
He was ever ready to counsel. He was no 
" non-commitalist." He was warmheart- 
ed, frank, honest. His people confided in him 
because they were persuaded that he knew 
what was for their interest and would ad- 
vise accordingly. They were never left in 
doubt in regard to his opinions. 



"206 ' MEMOIR OF 

His Cheerfulness. 

Cheerfulness was a prominent character- 
istic of Mr. Hidden. His motto was, 
-' who will, may groan ; who will may sing 
for joy." It was never a question with him 
whether the cup of mortal life had more of 
sour or sweet. If most w^as sour it was ow- 
ing to the drinker not the cup." He held 
that every man possessed in himself the 
means of turning the bitter to sweet or the 
sweet to bitter ; that, 

" The sweet was in the taste, 
The beauty in the eye, and in the ear 
The melody ; and in the man, — power 
To form the taste, to purify the eye, 
And tune the ear, that all he tasted, saw, 
Or Jieard, might be harmonious, sweet, and fair." 

He was by nature cheerful. He had a soul 
in harmony wfth nature ; alive to all her 
varied charmes. The tints of the rainbow, 
the sparkling dew-drop, the fervid sun, the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 207 

Starry firmament, and not less the lily, the 
rose and the violet, all were lovely in his 
sight ; all were cheerful. They waked the 
native fountains of his soul and stirred the 
holy tides of feeling. They caused his 
heart to drink from its own treasures, 
draughts of perfect sweet. " A merry heart 
maketh a cheerful countenance." His heart 
tvas merry ; it was so from his very make. 
Why then should he not be cheerful ? Sad- 
ness was a libel on nature. Cheerfulness is 
her face. Her " shady groves," her "brooks 
and crystal founts," " her weeping dews, 
her myrtle bowers" and solitary vales re- 
sound with joy and gladness. Why should 
not his heart speak out of its abundance ? 
It should. He held it to be a duty to wear 
the aspect of joy. Accordingly his smiles 
shown through his tears like the sun through 
rain-drops. This trait of character did not 
arise from a necessity of always smiling ; 
for he at times was solemn as eternity. His 
frown, when called for, was insufterable. 



208 ftlEMOIR OF 

It made the offender quail before him and 
sink back into his own nothingness. The 
contraction of his brow and the glance of 
his dark eye indicated a power behind them 
that was all-prevalent ; but no sooner was 
repentance seen than, 

" With mercy now 
And love, his face illumed, shone gloriously." 

Cheerful and happy by nature, religion 
made him more so. Religion as seen in 
him was lovely. It wore no frown. It fill- 
ed the soul with transport. It caused his 
soul to exhibit itself in his eye, countenance 
and merry laugh. He endeavored to make 
others as happy as himself. In his visits 
through his parish he strove to be cheerful. 
At the bed-side of the dying Christian, he 
was the happiest of men. He tried to ban- 
ish all fear, — that the spirit might take its 
flight to the throne of God without the 
slightest trepidation. He felt to rejoice, 
rather than mourn : because soon a spirit 



SAMUEL HIt>DfcN. 209 

would be freed from life with all its cares, 
and plume itself for the abodes of angels. 
He therefore often sung the most lively and 
ravishing anthems, to give the soul a foretaste 
of the music which would soon burst upon 
its ear. He always endeavored to withdraw 
the thoughts as much as possible from the 
perplexities and anguish of earth, and raise 
them to things unseen and eternal. Thus 
he made the dying bed a cheerful scene, 

" privileged ; 
Quite on the verge of heaven !" 

This cheerfulness made the dying eye 
bright and grow brighter as it approached 
nearer death, just as the gentle flower looks 
fairest in the ' silver beam which is reflected 
from the thunder cloud that soon comes 
down to scatter, far and wide, its loveliness.' 

Not only at the dying bed was he thus 

happy, but he every where taught the duty 

of cheerfulness ; that it was doing injustice 

to religion to wear a gloomy countenance. 

14 



210 MEMOIR OF 

He taught that the christian, of all men, 
should rejoice ; for peace of mind was his, 
the hopes of eternal felicity animated his 
hosom ; knowing too that all things shall 
work together for good to those who love 
the Lord Jesus Christ. What he taught 
others, he was himself, and what he was in 
life he was, as will hereafter be seen, in 
death. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 211 



CHAPTER IX. 

His labors — Devotions — Writings — As a 
Speaker. 

Perhaps no inquiry is more frequently 
made than that which relates to a Minister's 
labors. In fact we often judge of the whole 
character of a man from the nature and ex- 
tent of his labors. The labors of all min- 
isters may be arduous ; while those of some 
must be. It is true the same amount is not 
called for in all. Mr. Hidden was by na- 
ture possessed of great energy of character. 
Thrown upon his own resources from his 
childhood, all the powers of his nature had 
been brought into action. He had never 
known the ease consequent upon wealth. 
Poverty's iron hand had been rudely laid 
upon him, and he must labor, or die. To 



^12 MEMOIR OF 

this he had no reluctance, but cheerfully- 
submitted to all hardships. Early morn 
and the midnights' silent hour bore witness 
to his diligence in business. Though not 
possessed of the firmest constitution in his 
early years, he at length acquired Herculian 
strength. He indurated his constitution and 
made it like iron. 

His labor in preaching was immense, 
preaching three sermons during the Sabbath; 
two at the usual place of worship and a 
third in some remote part of the town. This 
was his practice through life. Besides these 
three sermons on the Sabbath he preached, 
almost invariably, in three different sections 
of the town during the week and not unfre- 
quently five, or even six. 

He saw that these meetings called out 
many who would not attend church during 
Sabbath ; but when the gospel was brought 
directly to their doors they could do no less 
than hear it. And often as he passed their 
dwellings, he would call, and say, ^' Well 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 213 

you are going to the meeting, are you ? 
Come, it is almost time to begin it. Let us 
be there in season." If they could have 
been secreted from his eye, they would have 
staid at home, but now there is no excuse. 
On the day of one of these meetings a certain 
woman said to her husband, you are going 
to attend the meeting at the school house 
this afternoon I suppose ? "No : I am not," 
replied the man. I am going to work 
behind the great hill, and he wont get sight 
of me to-day, I know." He immediately 
left the house and was just losing sight of 
the road when to his vexation, Mr. Hidden's 
voice was heard, " What o'clock is it ? Is 
it not about time for the meeting to com- 
mence ? I am going to call at your house 
a few moments. You will be at the meet- 
ing ? " Yes," replied the man, half pleas- 
ed, and half angry, " / am just going to see 
about my cattle /" At an early hour he 
was at the meeting, and there, said Mr. 
Hidden^ '' the truth took hold on him, H^ 



214 MEMOIR or 

went, home in great distress and besought 
me to pray for him. I did so, and the next 
time he met me, " Oh," said he, in tears. 
" I will never attempt to run away from you 
again. God has, I trust, forgiven me ;" and 
then his wife told the whole circumstance. 

At one time meeting a man with his team, 
*' Come," said he, " are you going to the 
meeting this afternoon ?" " I shall not be 
able to attend to-day. I am rather back- 
ward in work, and I have got my team all 
ready to plough." " Let your cattle stand 
in the road," said Mr. Hidden, " and as soon 
as the sermon is through, you can come out. 
Come, the school house is right here." Mr. 
Hidden then entered the house and the man 
drove on, but his conscience troubled him. 
He could not keep his mind on his work. 
Every thing went wrong. His oxen 
seemed unkind, and his work was badly 
executed. Out of all patience, the man, 
with an oath, left his oxen standing in the 
furrow and hasted back to the school house. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 215 

Mr. Hidden was at that moment preaching 
from the words, " For what is a man profit- 
ed if he gain the whole worlc, and lose his 
own soul ? or what shall a man give in ex- 
change for his soul ?" He observed the 
man as he came in, and saw the anguish of 
heart depicted on his countenance. He 
adapted his remarks to the very circum- 
stances of the man. "Now," said he, in 
closing, '^ what is to be done ? Will you 
seek this world and neglect the soul ? Ten 
thousand worlds cannot save your soul from 
hell !" The man's distress was too great 
for endurance. He fell on his knees and 
prayed to God for mercy. " I stopped 
preaching very readily," said Mr. Hidden, 
^' and we all prayed for the distressed man. 
Soon he gave his heart to Christ and was 
happy enough." 

Moreover at these meetings children at- 
tended who had never seen a Minister any 
where else. He took great care to instruct 
them, thereby to induce them to church. He 



216 MEMOIR OF 

had a happy faculty of pleasing. His smile 
was worth more than a crown. But there 
were children who would hide as well as 
men. He had appointed a meeting at a 
school house, and just before the hour arriv- 
ed the pupils were dismissed and the httle 
lads ran to hide in a thicket near. He saw 
them running, and supposing the cause of 
it, rode near the house, hghted from his horse 
and said, " Boys, do you want to ride my 
horse ? Out came the boys eager to ride 
the faithful steed. " There," said he, hav- 
ing raised some two of them upon his horse, 
" ride him down to the brook and let him 
drink." He remained until they returned. 
" Come, my httle lads, now we will go 
into the house," said he. By this time they 
had forgotten their former plan, and entered 
the house. 

Calling at a certain house previous to en- 
tering the school-house to preach, the lady 
remarked to him that she could not induce 
her son, then at school, to stay during the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 217 

meeting. Mr. Hidden had often noticed 
that quite a large lad was always leaving the 
house, just as he arrived. As he entered at 
this time, he met this lad and said, " I wish 
you would run home and bring me my Bi- 
ble ; I left it at your house." Before the 
lad returned Mr. Hidden had commenced 
services, and the boy was then ashamed to 
leave. The sermon at that meeting was 
founded on the words, " Wherewithal shall 
a young man cleanse his way ? By taking 
heed thereto according to thy word." The 
young man listened with deep interest. The 
truth was sent home to his heart and in a few 
weeks he was to all appearances, an heir of 
heaven, and two years aftenvards died in 
the hopes of a glorious immortality. 

Not only in his own town did he thus 
preach, but as we have elsewhere stated, in 
other towns, — Eaton, Ossipee, Newfield, 
Effingham, Parsonsfield, and Sandwich. 
The distance being great, much time was 
spent in traveling to, and from these places ; 



218 MEMOIR OF 

but he cheerfully preached to them Christ 
and him crucified. He was the spiritual 
teacher of all that region. 

In addition to these are his funeral ser- 
mons. It was his invariable practice to 
preach a sermon at every funeral he attend- 
ed, and these were numerous. He has left 
on record between six and seven hundred 
at which he preached and these were all in 
his own town, while he attended nearly as 
many in neighboring towns. He went some- 
times twenty miles to preach on these occa- 
sions. 

Such were Mr. Hid den's public labors. 
Allowing five sermons a week, he preached 
in each year 260 sermons. Thus in forty- 
five years, he must have preached 11,700. 
Add to these, one thousand funeral sermons 
and it amounts to 12,700! This is a low 
estimate, incredible as it may seem to some. 

Moreover, as we have noticed in a pre- 
ceding chapter, he devoted much time to 
the instruction of youth, in all the branches 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 219 

of education. He examined all the teach- 
ers of the town. Revisited, generally, all 
the schools at least twice in a year, some- 
times four times. He taught many smging 
schools, and devoted much time to Sabbath 
school instruction. He was present at all 
conferences, associations, and many ordina- 
tions and protracted meetings in which his 
voice was always heard and his tears always 
seen. 

He was ever an attendant upon the sick. 
His presence was generally required as soon 
as the physician's, and often sooner. He 
was called at midnight's silent hour as well 
as at noon day. 

He was also frequent in his parochial vis- 
its. He visited the hut of poverty as well 
as the mansion of wealth. 

To crown the whole it must be recorded 
that he labored much on his farm. Many a 
day has he spent there in toil, and this to 
gain a mere livelihood, his salary amounting 
only to two hundred and one dollars : con- 



220 MEMOIR OF 

sequently he depended much upon the in- 
come of his farm for subsistence. He culti- 
vated, exclusively with his own hands, a 
very large garden. Hours has he toiled 
there. That lovely face, so often bedewed 
with tears, has often been wet with the sweat 
of labor. 

To all these, let the nearly one thousand 
marriages solemnized by him be added, and 
well may it be asked, where shall an equal 
amount of labor, performed by any other 
man be found ? 

Such an amount of labor seems quite in- 
credible. But it must be remembered that 
he was always busy. He devoted but few 
hours to sleep, and none to idleness. Bur- 
dened with the cares of a large farm and 
those incident upon a considerable family, 
his house ever crowded with visitors, he was 
nevertheless enabled to accomplish more 
than almost any other man. For this pur- 
pose God had raised him up, and made his 
strength equal to his day. Amidst all his 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 221 

labors, he never complained of fatigue. He 
had no hours of gloomy despondency ; no 
shrinking from duty. When called to any 
service, he never complained of the pressure 
of labors. 

Devotions. 

To know the entire character of a man, 
we must see him in his hours of retirement, 
as well as in the active scenes of life. It is 
true, we cannot judge accurately of the 
character of one man except as we see him 
in his intercourse with his fellows. But not 
the less true is it, that we must enter within 
and observe the main springs of action ; see 
him as he exhibits himself to the eye of 
heaven. A man may appear to his fellow- 
men what he is not in the sight of God. 
Circumstances will often present a man in a 
wrong light ; but enter his closet and see him 
where he stands alone, unbiased by extrane- 
ous circumstances and his true character will 



222 MEMOIR OF 

be seen. Man will not be hampered and 
hedged in by public opinion, when no eye 
beholds but that of God. This is emphati- 
cally true of the Christian. He can not 
wear a false garb in his loneliness. He will 
appear as he is, in his loveliness or deformi- 
ty. Hypocrisy is a garment for the day, 
not for the night. It is of no service in the 
dark. '' The livery of heaven need not be 
stolen to serve the devil in" when men 
sleep. Flaunting robes are designed to re- 
flect the rays of light ; not to flutter in the 
darkness of midnight. 

Let us view Mr. Hidden in his hours of 
retirement in converse with his own heart 
and communion with God, and here his 
character will assume its loveliest aspect. 
In his retirement he 

" Had a source 
Of happiness, that men could neither give 
Nor takeaway ; the avenues that led 
To immortality before him lay ; 
He sasv, with faith's far reaching e)c, the fount 
Of life, his Father's house, his Saviour God, 
And borrowed thence to help his present want." 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 223 

Reading the Bible and meditation upon its 
truths were his constant practice. Few men 
were ever more famihar with that book ; 
none prized it more. He could turn to any 
passage, quote any verse, with great readi- 
ness and accuracy. The Bible was to him 
the most precious gift of God. He would 
often clasp it to his bosom and exclaim, 
*' had it not been for this blessed Book what 
would have become of my soul ! The 
world would have been in the darkness of 
death !" He not only acknowledged this to 
have brought hfe and immortality to light, 
but felt it. It wrought in him the deepest 
gratitude. The deep heavings of his bo- 
som, gushing tears, and fervent ejaculations 
were the heralds of his heart. The Psalms 
were a favorite portion of the Scriptures. 
No where else could he find language so 
consonant to his feelings, none that breath- 
ed so much of heaven. He would often re- 
peat them with his soul beaming in his coun- 
tenance, his eyes suffused with tears, and 



224 MEMOIR OP 

his soul filled with the liveliest adoration. 
In reading some portions which excited joy- 
ful emotions, he would raise his voice and 
seem enraptured with the same holy emo- 
tions that inspire the angelic throng. "Oh," 
he once exclaimed to the memorialist, after 
quoting one of these passages, " that is the 
very language we shall use when we get to 
heaven !" 

The lofty strains of Isaiah, the plaintive 
language of Jeremiah, the bold metaphors of 
Ezekiel were to him spirit and life. 

The New Testament he always carried 
with him, and read in his closet, in the field, 
by the road-side, in the sick room, and 
wherever he could find opportunity. The 
story of the cross roused his soul and the 
agony of the garden bowed his spirit. The 
love of Christ melted his heart. 

The Bible was to him the bright candle 
of the Lord, darting its rays through the 
darkness of the soul. He viewed it as the 
star of eternity — " the only star by which 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 225 

the bark of man could navigate the sea of 
life" and finally reach the haven of bliss — 
the only star which " rose on time" and on 
its dark and troubled billows, threw a ray of 
heaven's own light and pointed the sinner's 
eye to the hill of God. 

Mr. Hidden was literally a man of prayer. 
He was accustomed to rise early in the 
morning and hold converse with heaven. 
He prevented the morning's dawn. Even 
during the hours of the night, when nature 
was mantled in darkness, when the thoughts 
of heaven filled his soul with delight, he 
would rise from his pillow and pour out his 
heart to God in prayer. He loved to go 
before the throne of mercy and look God full 
in the face. While other men pray as if 
the Being they address was as far from them 
as the east is from the west, he prayed as to 
a Being at hand who could witness his deep 
prostration of soul. He felt that God was 
about him like the air he breathed. 

Wherever he went or looked, he saw his 
15 



326 MEMOIR OF 

presence. Thus when he prayed his pray- 
er was poured directly into the ear of his 
heavenly Father. He never felt that God 
had taken a journey into a far country, or 
that sweet sleep had closed his ear. He 
never prayed as though his prayers had a 
long journey to perform before they could 
reach heaven ; but he viewed heaven as 
brought down to earth and the Almighty at 
hand. This accounts for the fervor of his 
prayers. Had he the impression that it was 
doubtful if God ever heard him — had he 
thought it possible that the Almighty was 
attending to more important affairs in some 
region far away beyond the flight of any 
planet, his prayers would have been like oth- 
er men's, cold and formal. His prayers 
were the spontaneous overflowings of a warm 
heart. Like some living fountain that sends 
its waters gurgling forth, so his prayers came 
gushing, warm from a fountain supplied from 
the eternal Source. Thus they went up 
before the throne all glowing, warm. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. "227 

They were offered in faith. He beheved 
that every prayer he offered went winged to 
the Eternal ear and if it returned without 
answer Hke Noah's dove without a green 
leaf, he sent it forth again until, like the 
dove, it returned with a token of mercy. 

His prayers were importunate. He would 
take no denial. He felt that he must wres- 
tle with Jehovah, or his prayers would be 
unavailing. While he prayed he reached 
forth his hands for the blessing he desired. 
He felt the dignity of prayer ; the impor- 
tance which God himself attaches to it. 
Consequently he felt that all heaven must be 
moved when redeemed man supplicated. 
He was accustomed, previous to his attend- 
ance on any special means of grace, to make 
the anticipated occasion a subject of devout 
prayer. When a protracted meeting was to 
be held, either in his own church, or in 
neighboring towns he made it a subject of 
fasting and supplication, and so hard would 
he wrestle at the throne of Mercy that he 



228 MEMOIR OP 

often, as he himself testified, gained " assur- 
ance'' that the spirit would be manifested in 
the conversion of souls. Having preached 
at a meeting of this kind in Sandwich and 
being obliged to leave immediately after the 
sermon, he was asked, as he left the pulpit, 
if he thought there would be any conver- 
sions as the result of the meeting, I ^^Icnow'' 
said he, " there will be many, I have the 
assurance of it." The meeting resulted in 
the conversion of more than an hundred 
souls ; the greatest revival with which that 
church has been visited. 

He always made particular individuals 
subjects of special prayer. This fact he 
once related to the memorialist, "And," said 
he, " I know of more than one hundred such 
individuals who have been converted to 
Christ, and some of them are now rejoicing in 
glory." 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 239 

Writings. 

Endowed with gifts of soul which have 
been imparted to few of our own race, and, 
conscious of having consecrated them 
through hfe to God and mankind, Mr. Hid- 
den was regardless of his future fame, and 
has consequently left but few monuments of 
his intellectual greatness. All that remains 
of his writings seems no more than a poor 
mutilated fraction of what was in him ; brief, 
broken glimpses of a genius that never show- 
ed itself on paper. Of the elements of his 
mind we have already spoken. Born at an 
age when there was but little refinement in 
literature in this country, and thrown amidst 
such stirring scenes in a new settlement, 
among an illiterate people, where every 
thing was to be done and the materials for 
doing it were few and imperfect, it would be 
ungenerous to expect in him the style of a 
finished writer. So numerous were the de- 
mands upon his time, so multiplied were his 



230 MEMOIR OF 

labors, and so far removed was he from lite- 
rary scenes, that we are astonished to find 
him what he really is. No man can perform 
his labors aside from the pulpit, and preach 
nearly 13,000 sermons, written in correct 
taste and finished style. Mr. Hidden, as 
would naturally be suggested to the reader, 
did not write out all his sermons. Some are 
complete, others are imperfectly written ; 
while others still are mere skeletons, contain- 
ing the leading thoughts, with references to 
Scripture texts. Let it not be thought from 
this circumstance that he was not a labori- 
ous student ; that he devoted no study to 
his sermons. This would be far from the 
truth. He devoted every moment at his 
command to study. Rarely did he preach 
without having the thoughts well arranged 
in his memory, and on paper too. He was 
not a man to talk when he had nothing to 
say. With a memory which was a store- 
house of whatever was valuable in Scrip- 
ture, in history and nature for illustration, 



SABfUEIi HIDDEN. 23i 

lie always had something new and interest- 
ing. 

We readily admit, owing to circumstances 
abovementioned, that he was not a finished 
writer. Yet there are great excellences in 
his compositions. In his early writings it 
might be objected that his sentences are too 
protracted, thus rendering his style difficult, 
obscure. " We are aware that simplicity 
and perspicuity are important qualities of 
style ; but there are vastly noble and more 
important ones ; such as energy and rich- 
ness, and in these Mr. Hidden is not sur- 
passed. A mind like his will indulge in pro- 
tracted sentences. A full mind will natu- 
rally overflow in long periods, and in the 
moment of inspiration, when thick-coming 
thoughts and images crowd upon it, will of- 
ten pour them fourth in a splendid confus- 
ion, dazzling to common readers, but kind- 
ling to congenial spirits. There are writ- 
ings which are clear, through their shallow- 
jQess. We must not expect in the ocean the 



232 MEMOIR OF 

transparency of the calm inland stream. We 
delight in long sentences, in which a great 
truth, instead of being broken up into num- 
erous periods, is spread out in its full pro- 
portions, is irradiated with variety of illus- 
tration and imagery, is set forth in a splen- 
did affluence of language, and flows, like a 
full stream^ with a majestic harmony which 
fills at once the ear, and the soul." The 
prominent characteristic of his style is ener- 
gy. He writes with gigantic strength. He 
goes straight forward, like the resistless 
stream. He expresses himself in strong 
language. He uses bold figures, striking 
metaphors. His periods glow with life. He 
rouses every energy of the soul. He hur- 
ries us on with the impetuosity of the tor- 
rent. The mind is wholly absorbed in what 
is said. It catches fire at his glowing 
thoughts. 

These are not always the most refined, but 
they come gushing up from a deep fountain. 
They come from a daring intellect, not spur. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 233 

in the loom of fancy, but rough hewn. 
They stand out in bold relief. You see 
them even if they be amidst rubbish. Some- 
times he rises to sublimity rarely surpassed. 
The thunder roars and the lightnings flash ; 
all nature is in arms ; and then he has the 
simplicity of the child, and the sweet- 
ness of poetry. He touches the softest 
passions and melts to contrition and tears. 
'' We see in him gentleness and pity, togeth- 
er with deep earnestness and passionate ar- 
dor. Tears lie in him, and consuming fire ; 
as lightning lurks in the drops of the sum- 
mer cloud. He had a resonance in his bos- 
om for every note of human feeling." Thus 
his writings are a mirror of himself. 

There is a marked sincerity in his style. 
No man would mistrust he had the slightest 
intention of speaking what he did not him- 
self believe. There are no circumlocutions ; 
nothing that looks doubtful. In his writ- 
ings generally, there is a marked perspicuity. 
He seizes a subject, holds it up and looks 



234 MEMOIR OF 

directly through it, and enables others to do 
so. The most weighty arguments he han- 
dles with perfect ease in his own way. 

He is happy in his illustrations. They 
are often very striking. They force convic- 
tion upon the mind. They send arrows of 
truth all quivering to the heart. He is felicit- 
ous in his descriptions. They are often 
graphic. There is also a melting pathos. 
The more dehcate sensibilities of our nature 
are set in motion. We sob, we weep. He 
knew the force of Horace' rule " Si vis me 
fiere,^'' that he who would move and convince 
others must move and convince himself. In 
him there was 

" Joy answering joy, and sigh responding sigh, 
Through all the fibres of the social heart." 

In his writings there is sometimes exhib- 
ited keen sarcasm, amounting almost to in- 
vective. When religion was in peril, when 
its enemies discovered themselves, he felt 
that interests of infinite moment were at 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 235 

Stake. He spoke in piercing and awful 
tones. " At such periods, men gifted with 
great power of thought and loftiness of sen- 
timent, are especially summoned to the con- 
flict with evil. They hear, as it were in 
their own magnanimity and generous aspira- 
tions, the voice of a divinity ; and thus com- 
missioned, and burning with a passionate de- 
votion to truth, they must and will speak 
with an indignant energy, and they ought 
not to be measured by the standard of ordi- 
nary minds in ordinary times. The deeply 
moved soul will speak strongly, and ought 
to speak so as to move and shake nations." 
We have spoken thus freely of Mr. Hid- 
den's writings because it is often said, he was 
no writer admitting his other virtues J' And 
this is said without taking into consideration 
his peculiar labors and circumstances. It 
should be remembered that his means were 
the commonest and rudest ; and the mere 
work done and left on paper is no measure 
of his strength. ^' A dwarf behind his steam 



236 MEMOIR OF 

engine may remove mountains ; but no dwarf 
will hew them down with the pickaxe ; 
and he must be a Titan that hurls them 
abroad with his arms.* It is in this latter 
shape that Mr. Hidden presents himself. 
His hbrary was limited. He was not 
brought in contact with a literary atmos- 
phere ; and his labors were almost incredi- 
ble. Thus his writings had not that refine- 
ment of style which is now thought indis- 
pensable. It should be remembered too, 
that he had no Systematic training in a Theo- 
logical Seminary ; but left the walls of a 
College almost immediately for the pulpit. 
But he had all the elements of a great 
mind. 

The sermons which he has left are mere 
fragments. The plan of a mighty edifice is 
sketched; some columns, porticos, firm masses 
of building, stand completed, the rest is 
more or less clearly indicated ; with a far- 
stretching tendency, which studious and 
friendly eyes can now trace towards the pur- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 237 

posed termination. His sermons are some- 
times broken off in the middle, almost in the 
beginning. They stand beautiful, but un- 
finished, and as if he meant to seal up their 
contents from the knowledge of man he has 
written them with an illegible hand. The 
words are so often run together, and the con- 
tractions so numerous that they are as un- 
intelligible as so much Hebrew. 

As a Speaker. 

In Mr. Hidden there was no affectation 
of manner. He exhibited himself in the 
pulpit just as he was. There were no as- 
sumed airs. It may with great truth be 
said of him that, 

" At church, with meek and unaffected grace, 
His looks adorned the venerable place, 
Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, 
And fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray." 

He was of middling stature, possessed a 
dark, penetrating eye, elevated brow, and a 



238 MEMOIR OF 

countenance varying from cheerfulness to 
austerity. His appearance in the pulpit was 
commanding, adapted to inspire reverence. 
He possessed a powerful, stentorian, but 
mellow voice, varying from the lowest to 
the highest key. He generally spoke rap- 
idly. His thoughts came gushing forth with 
resistless energy. His were thoughts that 
breathe and words that burn. Sometimes 
he gave utterance to his thoughts with great 
precision, and with protracted, solemn ca- 
dence. When his subject was unusually 
grave, his countenance exhibited the same 
aspect ; it inspired awe. But when he 
spoke of heaven, it lighted up with a radi- 
ant smile. His emotions were easily excit- 
ed. His tears flowed in great profusion ; 
they followed the utterance of every affect- 
ing word. When he wished to make others 
weep he always set them an example by 
pouring forth a torrent of tears that came 
gushing out warm, and coursed down his 
cheek like some little crystal stream from 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 239 

the hill-side, which a summer's shower has 
sent leaping, sparkling down. His emotions 
at times almost choked his utterance, and 
quick-coming words were indistinctly articu- 
lated. The fountains within overflowed. 
His manner was such as to rivet the atten- 
tion of the hearer to the subject. The 
hearer was often in tears and assenting to 
the truths uttered, before he was aware. 
He was urged onward with great velocity. 
He had no time to fortify his mind against 
the truth, but was led captive by the preach- 
er, and carried too far to retreat. He was 
open to conviction when he thought not, 
and truth was set home to the conscience 
and compelled submission. Such was the 
man, 

" Who in the curront of destruclion stood 
And warned the sinner of his wo ; led on 
Immanuel's members in the evil day ; 
And with the everlasting arms embraced 
Himself around, stood in the dreadful front 
Of battle, high, and warred victoriously 
With death and hell." 



240 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER X. 

His Family — Letters — Strong faith — In- 
terest in the cause of temperance — His 
social character — Letters, 

The children of Mr. Hidden were five ; 
two of whom only are now living, viz. Wil- 
liam Price, residing in Tamworth, and Eliz- 
abeth, now the wife of Dr. Ebenezer G. 
Moore of Wells, Maine. Sophia, who be- 
came the wife of Lieut. Jonathan C. Gil- 
man, leaving a husband and seven children, 
died in the triumphs of faith, May 15, 1832, 
aged thirty-seven. Sarah was a rare spirit, 
amiable in life, and lovely ev^en in death. 
She died Nov. 5, 1819, aged twenty -two. 
George, his second son^ by nature possessed 
an open and frank disposition, a kind heart 
and delicate sensibilities. But having early 



SAMUEL HIDDEN^ ^41 

imbibed an inordinate desire for intoxicating 
liquors, he brought anguish to the heart of 
kind parents and an aftectionate wife ; dis- 
grace upon his relations and ruin upon him- 
self. He was a son that caused shame. The 
entreaties of a father and of a mother, the 
embraces of a wife and advice of friends 
failed to effect any radical change in his 
conduct. His moral strength was paralized. 
His better nature had been abused, out- 
raged and failed him. But, notwithstanding 
the darkness that hung over the future, his 
father lived in faith that ere long his soil 
would be washed in that blood which cleans- 
eth from all sin, though it wrung his heart 
with the keenest anguish to see the object of 
his affection given up to a beastly appetite* 

The following letter will here be inserted 
to show the state of his feelings. 

Tamworth, Sept. 24, 1835. 
My dear son George. — My heart is ready 
16 



242 MEMOIR OF 

to burst with sorrow and grief, while I write 
these Hnes to you, my son, dear son. I take 
this method of making known my concern 
for you because I am afraid I should be un- 
able to command my feelings in conversing 
with you, and I beg you would read this 
with a serious prayerful attention. God is 
witness of my love to you, my son, and my 
feelings for your temporal and eternal wel- 
fare. God has given you abilhies to be re- 
spectable and useful in this life, and to live 
in his presence, where are pleasures forever 
more ; yes to be the comfort of your aged 
parents, the beloved of your friends, of your 
fellow men and of the people of God, and to 
share with them in all the joys of eternity. 
Pray, my dear son, consider the deep inter- 
est your friends have in you, and their feel- 
ings for your welfare. Will you, can you 
break a father's heart which never felt any 
thing but love for you ? Can you send a 
mother tottering with age and infirmity to 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 243 

the grave, with sorrow ? Will you force 
your best friends to discard you ? Will you 
sink yourself in the eyes of all worthy men ? 
Can you forego all the bright hopes of eter- 
nal glory — for what ? for the indulgence of 
one animal appetite ? Were it not for this 
you would always have been respected by 
the best society, and you would have been 
the delight of your relations, and friends. 
Even now you might reinstate yourself 
in their esteem by banishing forever the 
intoxicating bowl. I beseech you my son, 
to consider the loss of property already sus- 
tained in consequence of this. When oc- 
curred any bad bargain, or mistake in calcu- 
lations but under the influence of drink ? 
Pray consider the loss of character. Can 
you respect those who indulge in this vice ? 
My son, there is something within your 
breast which says, no. Character is too 
valuable to be bartered away for intoxicat- 
ing spirit. Be assured that intemperance 
and a respectable character cannot exist to- 



244 MEMOIR OF 

gether at the present day in the same indi- 
vidual. When character is gone all is gone ; 
all confidence ; all respect of virtuous man ; 
all hopes of friends. And moreover such a 
man is continually exposed to the scoffs and 
reproaches of his enemies. But above all, 
the hopes of the favor and the presence of 
God are cut off. O, what, my son, is this 
eternity before us without hope in Christ ! 
Better had we never been born. I conjure 
you, my dear son, to consider this. O, you 
and I must stand together at the judgment 
seat of Christ. Your father is a minister of 
the Gospel and believes what he preaches to 
you and others. He expects to meet both 
you and them when all books shall be laid 
open and sentence passed. Now, my dear 
George, will you not abandon your darling 
sin ? You have said you would, but have 
failed. Now I pray you to ask help of God. 
Do go to God in prayer in the name of the 
Lord Jesus Christ who has died for you and 
is ready to give the Holy Spirit to those who 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 245 

ask in his name. You must do this or be 
lost forever. You may yet be saved. O, 
you may repent and be received into God's 
favor and have him for your friend forever. 
Now begin without delay. You must leave 
sin or be undone. I feel myself writing in the 
presence of God and to a son whom I love, 
and the thought of a separation from him for- 
ever rends my heart asunder ! O remember 
the calls you have had and the resolutions 
you have made, and now return. Remem- 
ber your dear Almira, her prayer and part- 
ing kiss. O, recollect the dangers you have 
escaped when exposed by intoxication, and 
how a compassionate Saviour has wrought 
all these deliverances because he waits to be 
gracious. O, what melting love is this ! 
How can you escape if you neglect so great 
salvation ! O, my son, George Dodge Hid- 
den, my son, my son ! My heart is melted 
within me for thee, my son. How can I 
give thee up for lost ! I must pray and hope 
and tremble and weep as I have done, but 



246 MEMOIR Of 

it is you who must repent and believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ, or you and I must part 
forever ! This is the first time I have ever 
written you, and it will probably be the last. 
I know I write from pure affection for you 
and the glory of God. I beg you read it 
carefully and lay it up and keep it. Do not 
destroy it. Keep it till I am dead. It will 
be read over in the lightof eternity and you 
and I shall hear it together, with dear Al- 
mira. O, may God Almighty have mercy 
on your soul and mine, my dear son. 

Your afflicted, affectionate father, 
SAMUEL HIDDEN." 

This letter betrays a heart full of anguish. 
His allusion to Almira, his son's wife, who 
but a few months previous had given her 
husband " a parting kiss," commended him 
to her God and then departed, Dec. 4, 1884, 
to the land of pure spirits, is heart-rending. 
Mr. Hidden knew that this chord would 
vibrate in the bosom of his son. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 247 

This letter, however, produced no perma- 
nent change in his character. He continu- 
ed to make the heart of his father bleed at 
every pore, and from the abundance of his 
heart he indited another letter, leaving it in 
the care of his son, William, enjoining him to 
keep it till after his death before presenting 
it to George. He felt that the hour of dis- 
solution was at hand, and he could not die 
until he had once more reminded his son of 
the awful retribution that awaited him. This 
letter is dated, 

Tamworth, May 6, 1836. 

My Dear Son Gearge, — You are not a 
father, therefore you cannot know the feel- 
ings of a father towards a son whom he loves. 
Yet you can read them when drawn on pa- 
per, by one who begat you and still loves 
you in the most tender manner. What I 
now write, I really expect to hear read over 
with you at the judgment seat of Christ, and 
I hope you will read this under the same 
impressson. You must know the evil effects 



248 MEMOIR OF 

of Strong drink on your soul and body, wheth- 
er it be distilled liquors or cider. Find, if 
you can, one instance of improper conduct 
for many years past but took its rise from 
this source. Had it not been for this no man 
in town of your age would have been more 
respectable than yourself. Shall good sense, 
good disposition, kind and obliging temper, 
sound and healthy body ; all the hopes of 
eternal happiness,be sacrificed to a more than 
beastly appetite ? God forbid. It must 
not be that the feelings of a father, mother, 
brother and sister, be tortured almost con- 
tinually to gratify the taste of one relative, 
and this gratification prove his destruction ! 
No, no, my son. Must the usefulness of a 
father, a minister of the Gospel, now old 
and gray-headed, be lost in consequence of 
the excesses of his beloved son ? No, my 
dear son. You must reform. God has laid 
his hand upon you, and he might have 
quickly hurled you into the shades of des- 
pair ; but he has not done it ; for which you 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 2^9 

are laid under new and fresh obligations. 
But his patience will not last forever. I be- 
seech you lay it to heart. You may now 
have a new character, new hopes, new joys, 
by asking God for help and by immediately 
leading a new life. I would ask your con- 
science, why it is that all your resolutions 
you have, from time to time, formed, have 
been broken ? Is it not because you have 
not asked assistance of God, having made 
them in your own strength ? Now pray to 
God for assistance and you shall be saved 
and God glorified. Can you forget the pray- 
er and farewell embraces of a wife now in 
glory and perhaps watching over you with 
intense interest, though you wrung her heart 
with anguish while living by your unhallow- 
ed indulgence in a darling appetite ? My 
dear son, you must lead a different life, or 
God will take you away and place you be- 
yond the reach of all hope ! May I not ex- 
pect this of you ? Must I give you up and 
all my fond hopes of you from your infancy 



250 MEMOIR OF 

to this day ? give you up forever ? O heart* 
rending thought ! What a bitter cup is this ! 
It is quite overwhelming, and will sink me 
unless God grant me support, which I trust 
he will through Jesus Christ his dear son. 
George, you must remember I shall by divine 
assistance endeavor to keep my character as 
a minister of Christ and not suffer my prop- 
erty to be wasted by the extravagance of any 
one, if I have ability to prevent it. God 
knows I would not wrong you of one hair of 
your head, but it must not be said and be 
believed by this people that what they give 
their minister goes to maintain the vices of 
his son. This would prevent the gospel from 
exercising its designed influence on them and 
their children. Be assured my dear son 
that a minister's influence depends in a great 
measure upon the character of his children. 
How many times has it been said, " that is 
George Hidden, the minister's son !" and 
then the hellish laugh ! How many times 
has the cup been offered you merely because 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 251 

you were the minister's son, though you 
thought of no such thing. Then at church 
the next Sabbath they first looked at the 
preacher and then at his son and what good 
did the prayers and sermons do such men ? 
Perhaps you never thought of these things ; 
yet they are solemn facts and ought to be 
felt by the minister and his children. Will 
you think of them, my dear George ! O. 
you certainly will and pray over them too, 
I hone *Tr*4FTF# ^^#£ 

hope you will remember what a blessing you 
had in your dear Almira who loved you as 
her own life. I hope you will not plant 
thorns on your pillow every time you lie 
down where the dear saint reposed on your 
bosom. My dear son, conscience may sleep 
but it never dies. It cannot die, for it is the 
voice of the living, all-seeing God. Remem- 
ber you have an aged father and a tender, 
infirm mother, whose love to you can never 
die. Pray, my son, do not weary out their 
lives and hasten them into eternity. You 



252 MEMOIR OF 

can never have another father or mother 
who begat and brought you forth and reared 
you up with the tenderest affection. O Lord 
God Ahuighty, bless George D. Hidden, 
and save him from destruction, and make 
him the subject of thy boundless grace for thy 
own name's sake ! I write this because I 
fear my own feelings and yours, in conver- 
sation. I beg you to read it over calmly 
and deliberately and pray over it ; and for 
God's sake do not reject or despise it. I feel 
that God sees me while I write and I rejoice 
that he does. He knows that it flows from 
a father's heart, as an effort for the eternal 
irood of a son for whom he feels the most 
tender affection. I know this will be read 
over at the last day. I shall keep a copy 
of it, that I may look at it and rejoice in it, 
when you have become another man and 
sustain a character which God, men and an- 
gels will love and delight in forever. 
Your affectionate 

Father." 



SAftlUEL HIDDEN. 253 

The faith expressed in this letter that his 
son would " become another man and sus- 
tain a character which God, man and angels 
would love and delight in forever," arose to 
assurance. Said he, a few months previous 
to his death while speaking of his son, " I 
believe that George will die a good man. 
Yes,'' said he with great emphasis, " I have 
the assurance that he will die a Christian. 
God has promised to hear prayer, and why 
should I not believe him ?" He lived not 
however to see the fulfilment ; yet that son 
did die a humble Christian. That insidi- 
ous disease, consumption, preyed upon his 
vitals, and, August 14, 1840, after a pro- 
tracted illness, he left earth for heaven. He 
went to meet that father who had prayed in 
faith for him and in answer to whose prayers 
he had obtained the hopes of everlasting 
life. Some months previous to his death he 
became a new creature in Christ. He gave 
evidence of vital piety, and united with the 
churcli militant just before his enterance in- 



254 MEMOIR OF 

to the church triumphant. Who can de- 
pict the interview of father and son on the 
confines of heaven ! This should encour- 
age pious parents to pray in faith for their 
children. " The prayer of the righteous 
man availeth much." 

Mr. Hidden early espoused the cause of 
temperance and labored for its success. His 
feelings in regard to the sale of intoxicating 
drinks may be learned from a letter to a 
dealer. This letter was obviously written 
with his son before his mind, and therefore 
I shall insert it in this connection. 

" Dear Sir, — It is supposable that you 
being educated among Christian people 
have a conscience, and believe in a state of 
future rewards, if not of punishments. It is 
therefore humbly asked how it is that you 
can deal out the intoxicating draught to your 
fellow creatures when you well know that 
every draught will prove their destruction ? 
Can you, dear sir, humbly kneel before your 
Maker and ask him to bless you forever for 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 255 

sending poison, death and destruction into 
so many families ? How can you behold 
before you the young, the middle aged, and 
the gray headed, the magistrate, who would 
otherwise be deemed respectable in society, 
in a state of partial, if not total, intoxication, 
and continue to deal out the delicious 
draught ! Dear sir, many lives have been 
sacrificed already and many more are in 
danger. Is- the love of gain so strong as to 
compel you to this course ? Are you sure 
that your gain will be lasting, or that your 
children will inherit it ? Pray, sir, recollect 
the present situation of others who are in 
the same traffic. What security have you 
that yourself will be an exception to the 
general government of Providence ? Are 
you sure that your son who now laughs at 
the railings of those intoxicated in your 
store and continues to deal out the poison, 
will not himself become a drunkard? Then 
what will become of property, reputation, 
life ? O, my dear sir, you are a father. 



S56 MEMOIR OF 

You have the bowels of a father. You 
think you love your children. Pray love 
them properly. Remember that you cannot 
have reputation among the virtuous portion 
of the community ; and this is all that is 
worth possession in society. Can a virtuous 
father wish you prosperity in your unhallow- 
ed business when his son comes home intox- 
icated ? Could he, in his sober moments, 
pray for your prosperity ? Could you your- 
self doit if he were your own son ? O, 
you could not. Can that virtuous wife, 
whose husband, after her long, anxious 
watching, comes staggering home, send up 
one petition for your prosperity in this traf- 
fic ? Pray, sir, look at her, with tearful 
eyes, viewing her approaching husband, in- 
to whose arms she has thrown herself for 
life ; then look on her children, the pledges 
of her affection to him ; and now with sobs 
and tears raising her eye to God's mercy 
seat above, and tell me if there can be room 
in her broken heart for a wish, or a prayer for 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. SSt 

you, unless it be that you may be prevented 
from dealing out the deadly draught ? How 
her heart throbs when she sees her husband 
again directing his feet towards your store ! 
Now, sir, you are a man of feeling. Sup- 
pose it were your own wife. Have you no 
regard for those who wish to regard you and 
daily pray for your best good, your eternal 
felicity ? In the name of the eternal God, 
in whose presence this letter has been writ- 
ten and before whom it has been spread in 
prayer, you are besought and entreated to 
spare the heart rendings of fathers and moth- 
ers, brothers and sisters, wives and helpless 
children ? O, spare the throbbing, aching 
heart of the virtuous portion of your fellow- 
creatures, if there is any such thing as relig- 
ion or virtue on earth. 

Yours respectfully, 

Samuel Hidden. 

In the domestic circle Mr. Hidden's char- 
acter appears to great advantage. It will 
17 



258 MEMOIR QF 

not suffer by a close inspection. It is too 
often the case that men wear the garb of a 
saint abroad and that of a fiend at home. Too 
often does the professional man appear amia- 
ble to others but ugly to those in his own 
family. The minister may be the haughty 
tyrant of his wife and children — while to 
others he has the meekness of Moses. He 
may lord it over his domestics and make 
them ministers of his pleasures while he 
preaches condescension and kindness in the 
pulpit. Professional men, burdened with 
public duties, numerous and urgent, are lia- 
ble to fail in those lesser regards which so 
much enhance the 

" only bliss 



Of paradise which has survived the fall." 

He who wears the aspect of the tiger at 
home, whatever be his reputation abroad, is 
unworthy esteem. 

Of Mr. Hidden it may be said that he was 
ever assiduous in his attention to those mi- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 259 

nute regards which constitute the aggregate 
of domestic enjoyment. He was an affection- 
ate husband, ready to take upon himself a 
portion of those cares incident to a family. 
He retired not to his study regardless if 
weal or wo betide those who had a right to 
his sympathies. He felt that a wife should 
share in the trials of a family, not hear them 
all. 

He was a kind parent, ever ready to in- 
dulge his children in every thing which 
might be for their interest. He sought to 
render life happy and cheerful. He endeav- 
ored to impress their minds with the feeling 
that life was a blessing for which they should 
be grateful to their great benefactor. 
Some are too apt to give their children the 
conviction that life is a curse ; that they are 
forced to wear a load quite too oppressive, 
to be laid on them by a merciful Creator. 
This is often done by a moroseness of man- 
ner, by monkish austerity, and an unkind 
impatience, which rise not out of real piety. 



3fi0 MEMOIR OF 

They are the result of an unsanctified na- 
ture, and should be sedulously avoided. 
Parents should impress upon their children 
the feeling that life with its ten thousand 
sources of enjoyment was designed to be a 
cheerful passage to eternity. 

These enjoyments are designed to make 
life a foretaste of heavenly felicity ; and if 
they are imbittered, they are so with our own 
follies. These call for the deepest gratitude 
to God. Children should be taught to ex- 
ercise this feeling. They should be made 
to realize that these are the gifts of a boun- 
tiful and indulgent Father. They should 
be taught early to lisp his praise. This was 
Mr. Hidden's great object. He felt un- 
speakable gratitude for the innumerable ex- 
pressions of God's goodness and labored to 
inspire the same emotion in every bosom. 
Life, hallowed by the religion of Christ, was 
to him a delightful existence, notwithstand- 
ing its disappointments, its conflicts, its an- 
guish. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 261 

This chapter will close with extracts from 
his letters to several individuals. 

To his Daughter, Mrs. Moore. 

Tamworth, Dec. 12, 1826. 
We were greatly pleased to hear of your 
good health, and pray it may be continued. 
Forget not your dependance on God who 
giveth us all things richly to enjoy, when we 
realize our dependance on him. Acknowl- 
edge him in all your ways and he will direct 
your steps. May he pour out the richest 
of his blessings upon your family, lengthen 
out your life, enlighten your mind, lead you 
into all truth, comfort your heart under all 
your sorrows and employ you in his service 
when your parents are sleeping in the dust, 
and finally admit you to the joys of heaven. 
We must now commit each other ibtb thto 
hands of God. May this be our privilege 
day by day, and may it be rightly improv- 
ed, so that after improving our talents here. 



262 



MEMOIR OF 



we may be together in a world of glory for- 
ever. 

Tamworth, May 21, 1832. 

Your sister Sophia, sung with me and 
Major G. together with his two daughters, in 
raptures on the sixth inst. Wednesday she 
was very sick and grew worse until Tues- 
day, when she breathed her last. Her child 
was baptized that morning in her presence, 
and died just one hour before her. She had 
her reason and talked as long as her strength 
lasted. There was an angelic smile on 
her own face and on her child's when laid 
out, but they soon changed. They were 
buried on Thursday, and I was obliged to 
preach her funeral sermon, being disappoin- 
ted by Mr. — . I preached from Psalms 
49 ; 15, to a crowded assembly. God help- 
ed me. Four mother and I have as much 
as we can bear, but we hope God will not 
forsake us, though he take our children from 
us. How vain are all things here below» 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 263 

Poor J. with his seven children will, we 
hope, be helped by the arm of Jehovah 
which is everlasting strength. You will not 
forget them in your prayers to God. You 
have now no sister and your father and 
mother cannot be with you, but God is nigh 
at hand. May he abundantly bless you and 
carry you through all trials. There is infi- 
nite safety in trusting in him. He will be a 
rock of salvation to all who trust in him. 

Let us be faithful and delay not in our 
master's business, performing the patience 
of hope and the labor of love and the work 
of laith, and soon he will say, sit down with 
me on my Father's throne. At what time 
we are afraid let us trust in God, give our- 
selves unto prayer in the name of our pre- 
vailing Advocate at the right hand of the 
Father above, and we shall not be forgot- 
ten or forsaken. 

Our dearest friends are above. Let us 
not faint then, but confide in God and soon 
the days of our mourning will be ended. 



964 MEMOIR OF 

Let us have an interest in your prayers dur- 
ing your protracted meeting. May God be 
there and bring all Wells to bow to the scep- 
tre of his grace. Kiss little Charles and 
Eliza for us, and tell them about their moth- 
erless cousins. 

That we may meet daily at the throne of 
grace and have a seat near the throne of 
glory at last, is the prayer of your afflicted 
father. 

Tamworth, April 12, 1839. 
We are all in tolerable health by the 
blessing of our heavenly Father, and rejoice 
to hear from you by your affectionate epis- 
tle, for which we thank you, and continual- 
ly pray that God will have you and your 
little ones in his holy keeping. Your father 
is old to preach every Sabbath three times, 
and three times during the week. Notwith- 
standing his age, the people seem willing to 
hear. We had a good meeting yesterday^ 
our Fast-Day^ having preaching in the morn,-v 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 265 

ing and examination of candidates for ad- 
mission into the church in the afternoon. 
The church also made arrangements for the 
Sabbath School and Bible Class ; also for 
monthly distribution of Tracts. 

Tamworth, July 18, 1835. 
Our days fly swiftly away and soon will 
be numbered and finished. What we do 
must be done quickly ; may it then be well 
done and we prepared to enter into that rest 
prepared for the people of God. May the 
God of Abraham bless you and give much 
of his grace to train up your family for him. 
I greatly rejoice in the way you have begun 
with them. Only go on and if your Yive^ 
are continued and God's grace granted, you 
will fit them to stand and fight in the battle 
of the great day of God Almighty, which 
no doubt will be fought in their age. How 
awfully responsible are the duties of this age 
to the next generation. May they be suitably 
felt by those going off the stage and those in 



266 MEMOIR OF 

the meridian of life. Tiius prays your aged 
father. 

To a young lady, a relative, 

Tamworth, May 21, 1832. 

Our Bible Class and Sabbath School 
flourish, and nothing is wanting but more 
vigorous effort on the part of professed 
Christians. It is enough to make one shud- 
der to contemplate the blood of souls in the 
garments of the professed friends of the 
Lamb of God. I hope you, my dear, live 
very near to God and are much engaged in 
the cause of your dear Redeemer. He wants 
all his friends to labor in his cause. There 
is much for them to do, and he has engaged 
to help them perform it. This age is preg- 
nant with most important events. The next 
will probably be in the midst of the battle 
of the great day of God Almighty. Satan 
and his cause will not fall without a struggle. 
Sin will not be banished from this world 
without a mighty effort. He, who died to 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 267 

give the victory will lay hold on the great 
Drae;on and chain him and cast him into the 
bottomless pit, by the hands of his servants 
and handmaids here on the earth. The 
next generation will be in the contest, and 
this generation must prepare them for it. 
Who can look upon the rising age in this 
view without the most lively and glowing 
emotions. What awful responsibilities rest 
on your age and those above you in years ! 
May old and young let these considerations 
have their full weight and power over all 
their contemplations and actions. The 
church and the world are now in commotion 
and preparation for the contest, whether sa- 
tan or Jesus, shall triumph and reign. We 
know whose the victory will be, yet we must 
do all in our pov/er to help it forward. If 
not permitted to be here to fight may we be 
in heaven to sing and shout the victory, 
'' Halleluiah, for the Lord God omnipotent 
reigneth. He hath triumphed gloriously !" 



268 MEMOIR OF 

To his grandson then at Bangor, Me, 
dated Sept. 26, 1835. 

My dear grandson: — Although at a 
distance, you are not forgotten by your aged 
grandfather whose name you bear. I am 
deeply interested in all your concerns, and 
pray God to guide you in the path of holi- 
ness and grace. You, my dear child, have 
been devoted to God, the Father, Son and 
Holy Ghost, in your baptism and are the 
son of many vows, prayers and tears of 
your mother who is now above and, perhaps, 
as a guardian angel, is often near you, 
watching your every act. I hope you find 
time to read your Bible and call on the God 
of heaven daily. You may go to him 
through the blood of the Redeemer and un- 
bosom all your concerns without any reserve ; 
and be assured he will not turn you away, 
but will hold communion with you and man- 
ifest himself to you as he does not to the 
world. He will have you in his holy keep- 
ing and give you that peace which the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 269 

world cannot give or take away. Be not 
afraid to go to God who has said, they who 
seek me early shall find me, and who is in- 
finitely pleased with the dews of our youth. 
God began to call after you when very 
young and made divine impressions on your 
mind which, I hope, will never be forgotten, 
but result in your entire consecration to God, 
in time and to all eternity. 

I heartily rejoice in the religious privileges 
you enjoy and pray that they may be a sa- 
vor of life to your immortal soul. 1 beg of 
you not to neglect any of them. Take 
some part of the word of God into the shop 
with you every day. It will cheer your 
heart in the midst of the business of the day. 
There can be no greater enjoyment than in- 
tercourse with God by prayer and medita- 
tion upon his perfections as revealed in the 
Bible. I rejoice to hear of your commend- 
able conduct hitherto and hope you will 
continue to conduct properly and remember 
that a fair character is the richest earthly 



270 MEMOIR OF 

inheritance, and to form and maintain this 
we need the assistance of a merciful God. 
I hope you will be faithful to your employ- 
er. Be benevolent, kind and obliging to 
all with whom you may be connected. Re- 
member of what immense advantage the 
good behavior of Joseph was, both to him- 
self and others. You may have the same 
help from God as he. You have only to 
ask for it and you have it ; for he has said 
ask and you shall receive ; seek and you 
shall find ; knock and it shall be opened. 
O, what love and condescension in the great 
Jehovah ! Be sure then that you have the 
Redeemer of sinners for your bosom, your 
unchangeable friend. This is all you need. 

You should remember that as our charac- 
ter is when we enter upon the active scenes 
of life, so it will generally be through life. 
This is an old proverb. I now remind you 
of it. Let it have its due influence in form- 
ing your character. 

That God would bless you and spare 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 271 

your life, enrich your soul with his grace and 
prepare you to be eminently useful in life, 
and prepare you for a happy eternity, is the 
daily prayer of your aged grandfather. 

Samuel Hidden. 

To his granddaughter. 

Tamworth, Aug. 31, 1835. 

As you are about to leave your father's 
house for a season and enter a public Semi- 
nary, I would address a few lines to you by 
way of precaution and advice. 

You will remember, my dear, that you are 
the daughter of many prayers of a tender 
mother now in heaven, and of many friends 
now on earth, whose eyes are on you and 
whose expectations are raised concerning 
you, as they see your opening faculties ap- 
proaching maturity. Their happiness is in- 
terwoven with the propriety of your con- 
duct and the character you are forming and 
which they hope you will sustain through 
life. In order to be safe vou will remeni- 



31$ MEMOIR OF 

her to put your trust in Christ to whom you 
were committed by a dying mother. He has 
been watching you every moment and 
waiting to receive your affections and pre- 
pare you for great usefulness here and for 
the enjoyment of himself above. He gives 
you liberty to come to him as your bosomj 
unchangeable friend, always present, ready 
and able to help you. He bids you wel^ 
come to himself. He allows you to commit 
all your concerns to him. He will never 
leave nor forsake you. 

I beg you not to attempt any thing, not 
even your studies, without consulting him 
and imploring assistance. Your grandfath- 
er knows the benefit of this, by his own ex- 
perience in his studies, and believes the 
blessed Redeemer is as able and willing to 
help his beloved granddaughter as he was 
to help himself; and he cannot bear to think 
that his dear E — should fail to receive the 
aid of such a friend as the Son of God. You 
will hold intercourse with him daily, and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 273 

carry all your cares and sorrows to him, re- 
lying on his goodness and faithfulness to per- 
form all his promises in his word. 

Never omit reading some portion of your 
Bible every day. In that Book you will 
find directions at all times and in all cir- 
cumstances. You should remember that your 
Father in heaven is speaking to you every 
time you open this word ; and there is infi- 
nite safety in trusting in all which it declares. 
'* There is more good grammar in the Bible 
than in any other book/' says Mr. Murray. 
It contains the most correct history, the 
most sublime poetry and moving eloquence 
of any book ; and the correctness of its geog- 
raphy is established by all modern divines. 
In this Book only, is found the way of sal- 
vation for sinners. There is spread a bound- 
less prospect of increasing felicity to every 
humble believer. O, then be intimately ac- 
quainted with your Bible. Make it your 
constant companion. It will speak to you 
18 



274 MEMOIR OF 

and converse at all times and make you 
wise unto salvation. 

You will learn to take care of yourself 
and be obedient and respectful to your in- 
structors and follow their directions in what- 
ever they enjoin. This will endear you to 
them and benefit yourself. 

Now may the God of all grace keep you 
as in the hollow of his hand ; furnish your 
mind with all needful science ; sanctify 
your soul by his Spirit ; keep you from all 
evil ; prepare you to do good and make you 
ready for his heavenly kingdom. This is 
the prayer of your aged grandfather. 

Samuel Hidden." 

To an afflicted Mother. 
My Dear Madam ; 

I have just received the melancholy in- 
telligence of the death of your beloved child 
and take this opportunity to express the deep 
interest I feel in your affliction. I know how 
to sympathize with you. Death has taken 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 21b 

two of my own children. They are now in 
glory. The cup has been a bitter one, but 
my heavenly Father has enabled me to 
drink it, and I feel that it is good for me to 
be thus afflicted. Before I was afflicted J 
went astray, but now I have learned to give 
up all into the hands of Jehovah. Our chil- 
dren belong to God, and has he not a right 
to his own ? If I had put ten dollars into 
your hands and told you to take care of them 
until I called, should I not have a ri^ht to 
take them when I please ? Thus our chil- 
dren are entrusted to us. We must take 
care of them and train them for heaven. We 
must hold them in readiness for the Saviour. 
Your little child was lent you, and God has 
now called for it. You loved your child, but 
Christ loved it more ; he loved it more than 
you possibly could. He redeemed it by his 
blood and has now taken possession of his 
purchase, and he will deal with your child 
kindly. Already has he put into its little 
hands the harp of gold and a palm of victo- 



276 MEMOIR OF 

ry. Then why should you lament that your 
daughter has gone to heaven ? Would you 
be so selfish as to keep from Jesus Christ 
what was his own by purchase ! No. I 
know you would not. Your child has now 
escaped the sorrows and pains of life. She 
sweetly sleeps in Jesus. Had she lived she 
would have been like yourself a woman of 
sorrows. Could she now speak, she would 
say, " weep not for me, my dear mother ; I 
am happy. I am with Jesus the friend of 
sinners. He is my everlasting friend. Be 
patient a few years and then he will be so 
kind as to bring you to this happy place and 
here we will praise him together." Oh, we 
ought to rejoice when our friends are thus 
taken home to glory. In your affliction you 
will look to God for support, and remember 
that this was designed for your own good. 
You needed this chastisement. God knew 
what was for the best and how to make you 
a perfect person in Christ Jesus. " Whom 
the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourg- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 277 

eth every son whom he receiveth ;" and you 
should remember that though '^ no chasten- 
ing for the present seemeth to be joyous but 
grievous ; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth 
the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto 
them which are exercised thereby." Yes, 
my dear sister, when we get into eternity we 
shall see the wisdom and goodness of God 
in thus removing from us those on whom we 
had placed our affections. Another prec- 
ious promise is left on record for our conso- 
lation. " For our light affliction, which is 
but for a moment, worketh for us a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; 
while we look not at the things which are 
seen, but at the things which are not seen." 
Let this passage comfort you. You will not, 
you cannot distrust God. Mysterious as is 
this dispensation of Providence, you should 
bow submissive, feeling that God will do 
all things well. Carry your case to Jesus ; 
he can sympathize with you ; he can com- 
fort. Your child is dead but Christ liveth. 



278 MEMOIR OF 

You will find much support in prayer. This 
should be your business. Leave all in the 
hands of God, and soon you will go where 
your child is. It can never come to you, 
but you will go to it. Live then by faith on 
Jesus Christ, and repine not. I deeply 
sympathize with you, and pray God that you 
may be supported in this hour of affliction. 
Yours affectionately. 

To a gentleman who had recently buried 
his wife and seemed inconsolable. 
My Dear Sir, 

I have received your letter informing me 
that your dear wife is no more. She then, 
who slept in your bosom, now sleeps in 
death ; her body is in the embrace of the 
tomb and you are left to weep, and as you 
say, you cannot be comforted. Now, broth- 
er, what am I to understand by this ? You 
loved your wife as no one can doubt ; but 
your wife has always been a sufferer and had 
she lived she must still have suffered and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 279 

Jesus Christ knew this, and to relieve her 
has taken her to himself, where she will be 
perfectly happy, and you cannot be recon- 
ciled at such an act ! Had she lived, it 
would have been a source of happiness to 
you, while she must have suffered. Had 
you not rather she would go to heaven ? 
And besides, whose was she ? who purchased 
her with blood ? who gave her to you ? 
Most certainly Jesus Christ. Then he has 
taken his own and you have no right to com- 
plain. You have great reason to be thank- 
ful that she was prepared to go into eternity. 
She was a devotedly pious wife, and she 
has only gone to glory to await your com- 
ing. Perhaps she now watches over you 
and sees your grief. Would it not be bet- 
ter for you to thank God for his mercy in 
taking her to his right hand instead of al- 
lowing her to live and suffer ? She now 
praises Jesus Christ for redeeming love and 
you should praise him also. Now instead 
of murmuring because she is taken from you, 



280 MEMOIR OF 

you should endeavor to be prepared to meet 
her in heaven. It will be but a few days 
before you will go into eternity, and cannot 
you be willing that she should be absent a 
few days ? You would not complain if she 
had gone to visit some earthly friend ; and 
now she has gone to pay a visit to the King 
of kings and you think it very hard. Now, 
my dear sir, dry up your tears and trust in 
Christ and remember that this affliction is 
designed for your own good. God will not 
afflict men willingly ; but sees that this is the 
best way to make them feel their depend- 
ance on him. He shows you by this afflic- 
tion that you should trust in nothing which 
death can touch ; and you profess to be sen- 
sible of this. Then why not now act the 
part of a Christian ? Let your Christian 
principles prevail. If you are thus incon- 
solable will not the impenitent say your re- 
ligion fails to support you in the hour of tri- 
al ? Now, dear brother, seek help from God, 
Pray earnestly for divine assistance and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 281 

rouse yourself and be a consistent man. The 
Psalmist says, ''Before I was afflicted I went 
astray ; but now have I kept thy word. It 
is good for me that I have been afflicted ; 
that I might know thy statutes. I know, O 
Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that 
thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." Now 
you should view this affliction in the same 
light. You should feel that God has afflict- 
ed you in mercy. This should make you 
a better man, a more eminent Christian. But 
remember, brother, that to murmur against 
God is an awful sin. Oh brother, be 
strengthened, trust in Jesus Christ. Pray 
continually, and God will grant you help. 
Read the word of God and observe its 
promises, and let them strengthen you. Be 
assured that I fully sympathize with you in 
this affliction. I feel it to be a personal af- 
fliction. Your wife was a dear friend of 
mine. I deeply lament her loss, but death 
is her gain. She is rejoicing in glory, but 
you and I shall soon be there with her, and 



28^ MEMOIR OF 

then we shall be happy ; there will be no 
separation. Oh my brother, let us be pre- 
pared to follow your dear wife. This is 
the prayer of your friend. 

Yours, he. 

Samuel Hidden. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 283 



CHAPTER XL 

Retrospect — His illness — Triumphant 
death. 

Mr. Hidden had now (1832,) arrived at 
the age of seventy-two, and had labored 
forty years as a preacher of the gospel. He 
found Tamworth a wilderness, containing 
but forty legal voters, (one having died ;) 
destitute of a church and house of worship. 
Under his influence a church was formed, 
and a convenient house of prayer erected, 
(the temporary pulpit of which he, with his 
own hands, constructed in a few hours,) ed- 
ucation advanced and the town increased in 
population. He became the beloved of all 
and the prime mover of every moral and re- 
ligious enterprise. Great success attended 
his labors. The revival of 1800. was a 



284 MEMOIR OF 

signal display of divine mercy, which 
brought into the church those who were his 
support through the subsequent years of his 
eventful life. After this showers of grace 
were frequent and copious. 

He now looked back upon the church, 
reared and cherished by his efforts and 
prayers, with deep interest. Those who 
welcomed him in 1792, and encouraged him 
amidst all his labors and trials were now si- 
lent in their graves. He could visit the spot 
which their ashes hallowed and let fall a tear, 
but their voices, as of yore, greeted him 
not. He had stood by their bed-side and 
prayed their spirits safe to the land of the 
just. He had preached their funeral ser- 
mons, exhorted the living to imitate their 
virtues and avoid their errors. And now he 
stands almost alone. As a faithful warrior, 
who has fought bravely while his compan- 
ions have fallen, pauses to observe the is- 
sue of the battle, and finds himself alone 
amidst the slain ; so he stood amidst the 



I 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 285 

dead. He asked for the fathers, hut the on- 
ly reply was an echo, " Where are they ?" 

We have already remarked, most of his 
old friends slept, and a new race had risen 
up that " knew not Joseph." He saw that 
his influence was in some measure diminish- 
ed. Many would have preferred a new 
preacher and a younger man ; though noth- 
ing was openly said, yet he divined their 
feelings and was grieved. Still he labored, 
if possible, with increased zeal for the sal- 
vation of his hearers. His fortieth annual 
sermon was full of interest ; in which he 
enumerated the various incidents which had 
occurred since his settlement, and contrast- 
ed the present state of the church and town 
with that of 1792. His text on this occa- 
sion was Deut. 8: 2, 3. 

The opening of the year 1887, showed 
conclusively to the church that the Lord 
was about to take from them their spiritual 
guide. 

On the fifteenth of January, of this year, 



286 MEMOIR OF 

he preached his forty-fifth annual sermon. 
Just forty-five years ago this Sabbath he 
preached for the first time in Tamworth to 
a few souls in a private dwelling. And now 
he stands before his church and people to 
deliver to them the words of life. His race 
is almost run. He, who had led this church 
in the wilderness forty-five years, was now 
delivering the last message of Jehovah on 
the Sabbath. He had stood long between 
the living and the dead and prophesied in 
the name of the God of hosts. He preach- 
ed this day with great zeal and fervor. He 
exhorted the Church to more difigence and 
greater exertion in the cause of Christ. His 
appeals to them were melting. He was al- 
most overpowered by his emotions. " Now 
brethren, "said he, "we must awake to duty 
and newness of life. We must be more 
faithful for Christ. We must love him more. 
We must serve him unreservedly. How is 
it ? Will you consecrate yourselves entire- 
ly to Christ ? Before another year rolls 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. "287 

round, I, in all probability, shall be laid in 
the grave. What account of yon shall 1 
carry to heaven ? Shall I tell them there 
that you are all coming safe on your pil- 
grimage ? Shall I tell them that you are 
6ghting the fight of faith, led on by Jesus 
Christ, the great Conqueror ? Oh, my 
brethren, shall we continue to live in this 
cold state? Now, arise, come, let us shake 
off slumber and watch the coming of the 
Bridegroom. He will be here soon and we 
must enter to the mamage supper of the 
Lamb, or be shut out forever ! God Al- 
mighty grant to awaken you to a sense of 
duty and preserve you unto the end. 

And now, my impenitent hearers, I must 
once more warn you of your danger and ex- 
hort you to immediate repentance. You 
have been invited to come to Christ, Sab- 
bath after Sabbath, and yet you are unrecon- 
ciled to God ! Can I present any new con- 
sideration or urge you with more fervor ? I 
tell you that except ye be born again you 



288 MEMOIR OF 

can never see the kingdom of God. Will 
you remain hardened in sin and die ungodly ? 
Oh, I tremble for your souls. You are in 
danger of eternal damnation, and yet you 
seem indifferent ! If your houses were on 
fire you would not be indifferent. But now 
you are exposed to the fire that shall never 
be quenched and you fold your hands and 
desire to sleep on. Oh now seek help from 
God. Call upon him while he is near. He 
will yet save you and make you the trophies 
of his grace." 

Thus he addressed his church and peo- 
ple on the last Sabbath, he was allowed to 
preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Up 
to this time he had continued to preach three 
sermons every Sabbath and lecture in three 
different parts of the town during the week. 
After this he was called to preach two funer- 
al sermons. He had sometimes walked a 
mile to visit one of these individuals. She 
was a pious woman, and he delighted to 
converse with her about heaven. Being 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 289 

asked why he visited her so often when he 
was so feeble, "Oh," said he, "I am paid ev- 
ery time I visit her by her heavenly conver- 
sation !" The day before her death he said 
to her, " I shall never probably see you 
living after to-day. When you get to heav- 
en tell Jesus Christ I am coming. I shall 
soon meet you there." At her funeral after 
having addressed others, he said, " now I am 
going to address myself. I am now an old 
man and perhaps it is the last time I shall 
enter this sacred desk. My health is feeble 
and death is making his ravages in the midst 
of us. I feel that I shall live but a short 
time. There is but a step between me and 
eternity and I, who have so often exhorted 
others to prepare for death, may well exhort 
myself to prepare for the same solemn event. 
I would therefore endeavor to fefl that death 
is nigh, and that soon I must stand at the 
judgment seat of Christ. Oh, my hearers, 
we shall all be there soon, every one of us 
must give an account to God ; I, how I have 
19 



290 MEMOIR OF 

preached and you how you have heard. The 
grave to-day will close over one of your fel- 
low creatures and before another week shall 
roll round, who of us shall be here in our 
coffin ? Death is cutting down the old and 
the young ; we are all going. Let us be 
prepared for death ; be prepared to meet in 
heaven this sister and others who have gone 
before us." Said he to one after the servi- 
ces were past, "I never felt before that I was 
so near eternity. I can almost look beyond 
the veil ! I am going now ; my work is 
about finished and I must commend this 
Church and people to God." 

Though his outward man failed, yet his 
inward man was renewed day by day. 
" The spirit continued willing" long after the 
" flesh failed." He labored with unusual 
zeal ; he felt that what remained to be ef- 
fected must be done soon. He labored in- 
cessantly to advance christians in the spirit- 
ual life, and to induce the ungodly to imme- 
diate repentance. Never did men feel the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 291 

power of truth more sensibly. He spoke out 
of the abundance of a pious heart. He of- 
ten gave vent to the emotions which strug- 
gled in his bosom, by warm appeals to the 
conscience. He endeavored to render chris- 
tians more sensible of their accountability to 
God as redeemed sinners, and of the right 
which Christ had to expect their entire con- 
secration to his service. The truth was ap- 
plied with unusual adaptedness to circum- 
stances. He made his congregation feel that 
he was the ambassador of the Lord Al- 
mighty. This gave energy to his words. 
His language was inspiration. 

January 20, 1837. (Tuesday.) Having 
been feeble for some days. Mr. Hidden 
was seized with the lung fever. '* Well," 
said he to his wife, " the time of my depar- 
ture is at hand. I had hoped to have 
preached once more, and more faithfully 
have warned the impenitent of their danger." 
She expressing a hope that he would soon 
recover, " Do not have any hope about it. 



292 MEMOIR Of 

Let God do just as he pleases. He knows 
what to do with us best." A member of the 
church remarking that sickness was an afflic- 
tion, " It is no affliction at all," replied he. 
" What is a fever compared with the suf- 
ferings of Jesus Christ ! I lay here suffer- 
ing a little and think a great calamity has 
befallen, when Christ suffered ten thousand 
times more than all we ever suffered ! We 
ought not to think so much about a little 
pain. We ought to think more of the agony 
in the garden and that will assuage our dis- 
tress. I have always tried in all my visits 
to the sick to make them forget themselves 
and think of Jesus. The martyrs in the 
very flames were happy and sung praises to 
God. Oh think of Stephen ; while the 
stones were pelting against his head, he look- 
ed right up into heaven, and saw Jesus on 
the throne. He did not stop and cry out, 
''O, how you bruise my body ! I am suffer- 
ing excruciating pain !" Do you think Paul 
and Silas talked about their afflictions in 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 293 

prison ? Certainly not, if they had the an- 
gel would never have loosed them from their 
stocks and brought them out of it." I once 
visited a man in great distress and he con- 
stantly complained of his pain and said he 
could not see why it was that God made 
him suffer so much. Why, said I to him, 
God is doing with you just as you would 
deal with one of your children ; if after you 
had punished a little child he continued to 
whine and complain you would whip him 
until he was silent. Just so God will make 
his people suffer until they feel to say, 1 will 
be quiet." 

Jan. 21. Wednesday. His fever being 
mild, he received visitors and conversed 
freely with them. A member of the church 
remarked to him that since he was so far 
advanced in life it was doubtful if he recov- 
ered, '' Yes," rephed he, " I am old, but 
then it will make but little difference in the 
time I shall have to spend with Jesus. And 
I have had fair sailinoj for a long time. 



294 MEMOIR OF 

Christ is a glorious pilot ; with him I have 
outrode the storms of life thus far. Now and 
then a storm has arisen which threatened to 
overwhelm my frail bark, but he has always 
whispered, " Peace, be still, and there was 
a calm." So it will be until I arrive at the 
port above. I recollect visiting Mr. G. 
once and found him in Bunyan's Slough of 
Despond. He seemed to be up to his chin 
in mud ; but I was satisfied that he was a 
pious man. Well said I, you are sinking fast ; 
take care that you don't let the water run 
into your mouth and thus be strangled. I 
told him he was just like Peter, for only a 
short time since he was all faith. The poor 
man sighed and groaned and said he believ- 
ed he should die, and he feared he was not 
prepared for death. I told him to pray for 
Christ's assistance ; for 1.3 was just behind 
a little fog. So I prayed with him and he 
prayed also, " There," said he, ''the fog is 
blown away ; I see Jesus walking on the 
sea. All is calm now ;" and the good man 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 295 

went out of the world rejoicing. As for 
myself I have lived about long enough, I 
should think from present appearances, for 
God seems to be taking down this building 
to remove me to another, and a much better 
house. There will be no fevers there." 

Jan. 22. (Thursday.) Nothing alarm- 
ing hitherto had been apprehended by his 
physician. The symptoms were rather fa- 
vorable though less so to-day. The mem- 
bers of the church called on him but he was 
not quite so free in conversation as usual. 
He seemed solicitous for the church and ex- 
horted those present to constant prayer and 
more diligence. 

Jan. 18. (Aiday.) This day he was 
delirious. His fever was more violent. In 
the afternoon he requested his son William, 
to " bring him Nehemiah,'' meaning the Bi- 
ble. He caught the Bible and clasped it 
to his bosom with much emotion and offered 
to God a most fervent prayer for the resto- 
ration of the Jews ; another for his own 



296 MEMOIR OP 

church and people. This latter prayer was 
of great length and importunate. He offer- 
ed a third prayer for the pastor who should 
succeed him, a fourth for his family. 

Jan. 24. He continued about as yester- 
day, his mind wandered. The church were 
apprehensive that this sickness would re- 
move '' from their head their master." 

Jan. 25. (Sabbath.) This morning his 
reason returned and, though much exhaust- 
ed, conversed freely with the members of 
his family. His son's children were presen- 
ted to him, whom he addressed very feeling- 
ly. He requested them to read the forty- 
eighth chapter of Genesis. They did so, 
"and now" said he "my little children, I 
want you to love Jesus Christ. You have 
been consecrated to him in baptism, and 
now give your hearts to him. I am going 
to leave you soon, but if you love your Sa- 
viour you will come where I am going. You 
must not forget to pray and Christ will help 
you ; trust in him ; he will never forsake you. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 297 

Suppose some stranger should come and tell 
you that if you would love him he would 
make you rich and happy, would you not 
love him ? Now Jesus Chris; promises ever- 
lasting joy at his right hand, if you will but 
love him. And more than this, he has shed 
his blood for you ; he died on the cross and 
his hands and feet were nailed to the wood 
and his side was pierced, and even now be 
says, " come unto me !" yes, he will take 
you into his arms and sustain you through 
life and finally bring you to heaven, if you 
will obey and love him, read his word and 
pray to him every day." 

After this, other grand children were pre- 
sented whom he in like manner addressed 
and commended to Christ. 

In the afternoon after some refreshing 
sleep, he roused up and said to his son Wil- 
liam, " Come, we ought to have a meeting 
to-day ; we should not spend the Sabbath 
so ; call them all in, and we will have a 



k 



^98 MEMOIR OF 

having called for his Bible, Hymn Book and 
glasses, he selected his hymns and text, sung 
and offered prayer. He then preached from 
John 18 ; 9. " Of them which thou gavest 
me have I lost none." His sermon was 
practical and impressive. He directed most 
of his remarks to professors of religion. It 
should be remarked here that his preaching 
and exhortations were generally to an un- 
common extent directed to professors of re- 
ligion. ^ Towards them particularly, if in 
a languid and unbeheving state, he used 
great plainness of speech. It was with ex- 
ceeding difficulty that persons of that class 
could listen to his appeals unmoved. They 
must either return from their wandering and 
become efficient co-workers with Christ, or 
withdraw beyond the reach of his voice. He 
had formed a high standard of personal holi- 
ness. He looked on professing Christians 
as those who ought to be the " salt of the 
earth, and the light of the world." He 
knew that upon them, with the aid of the 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 299 

Holy Spirit, the salvation of the world was 
depending.' This day he addressed them 
with great fervency. He warned them of 
the dangers to which they were exposed 
and the disgrace which they would bring 
upon the cause of Christ by any sin. " I 
exhort you," said he, " to stand fast in the 
Lord. Yield to no temptation. Give satan 
no advantage over you ; keep yourselves 
unspotted from the world. This is the last 
time I shall ever address you. I am going 
into eternity and commend you to the great 
Shepherd of souls, him whom I have served 
these more than forty-five years. I com- 
mend to him this church which I have cher- 
ished with prayers and tears and am now 
to leave for the church triumphant. 1 have 
watched over you with a father's care. 1 
have fed you v/ith knowledge and under- 
standing. I have aimed to make you per- 
fect men in Christ Jesus. I have preached 
the doctrine of the cross plainly and have 
kept back nothing of the word of God. I 



300 MEMOIR OF 

call you to witness that I have warned and 
entreated day and night from my first com- 
ing among you. I call God to witness that 
I have coveted no man's wealth but have 
labored with my own hands, that I might 
not be burdensome. I have watched for 
your souls as one that must give account. I 
have the testimony of my conscience that 
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with 
fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God I 
have lived and labored among you. Many 
souls has God given me and none of them 
have I lost. When we all get to heaven 
there will be a great family of us to bow be- 
fore Jesus Christ and to ascribe the glory of 
our salvation to him who has washed us in 
his blood. My brethren, do be faithful after 
I am gone." 

These are a few remarks he is remember- 
ed to have made. Notwithstanding the 
feeble state of his body, he occupied in this 
service an hour and a quarter ; but instead 
of exhausting him it seemed to revive. His 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 301 

Utterance was easier and his articulation 
more distinct. The following day he had 
no recollection of what we have just record- 
ed. 

Jan. 26. (Monday.) He was much dis- 
tressed from hard respiration, and in the eve- 
ning was thought dying from suffocation. 

Jan. 27. (Tuesday.) After the struggle 
of last night he found himself this day more 
comfortable. His respiration was compara- 
tively easy, and his usual animation of spir- 
its returned. A member of his church be- 
ing present and congratulating him on the 
prospect of recovery, "Yes," said he, "death 
is kept at bay a long time. I may conquer 
yet, though I almost thought I had got just 
over the dark valley. I do not think it look- 
ed so forbidding to me as it did to Bunyan's 
Christian. I have assisted so many over 
this valley that I am quite familiar with the 
way. I recollect the compliment, Dea. M. 
paid me just before he died. He had a few 
doubts, but I endeavored to clear them all 



302 MEMOIR OF 

away and prayed with him. ^' Well," said 
he, "I am fearless now for you are John 
Banyan's Great Heart and will conduct 
safely to the Celestial City. I am now in 
the land of Beulah." Thus he went home 
to glory." 

He talked much about the church, regret- 
ted that they had had no preaching the last 
Sabbath and hoped, if it was God's will, he 
might be able to preach to them again. 

Jan. 28. (Wednesday.) He continued to 
recover. A female member of his church 
called to see him. '' You remind me of Bun- 
yan's Christiana. Her husband commenced 
pilgrimage and arrived at the Celestial City 
before his wife would consent to com- 
mence ; so your husband became pious and 
went home to glory, and then you started 
after him, and here you are, on your way. 
I am glad to see you. Don't be afraid of 
the lions, or giants by the way. Your hus- 
band and I shall be ready to meet you in 
glory. God has seen fit to spare me thus 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 303 

long though I have been an unprofitable ser- 
vant. O, I feel to ask forgiveness every 
moment. My heart is very treacherous. I 
can look upon nothing I have done with the 
slightest satisfaction. I am ashamed of eve- 
ry action. Christ is my only hope. 

February 1. (Thursday.) Several pro- 
fessed Christians called on him, to whom he 
said, I rejoice to see you, brethren, for I want 
to tell you how I feel in regard to the doc- 
trines of the Bible, yet I cannot find lan- 
guage adequate to the description. They 
seem more lovely than ever. To say that 
the Bible has brought life and immortality 
to light is all I can say ; but it does not ex- 
press half I feel. The attributes of Jehovah 
appear lovely, glorious. It seems unaccoun- 
table that Christians do not love to meditate 
more on these. My faith was never so 
strong in all the doctrines 1 have preached 
as at this time, and were I to preach as 
many more sermons as I have, I believe 
more souls would be saved thereby. 1 have 



304 MEMOIR OF 

sometimes been afraid that some thought I 
did not belim^e what I preached ; but if I 
could preach now I think I could convince 
them of my sincerity. I tell you, brethren, 
when you get where you can just look 
through the veil, the awful reality of God's 
truth will be felt. 

Being asked if heaven seemed to his mind 
more glorious, he said, " Yes, a thousand 
times more glorious. How can it be other- 
wise, so long as Jesus Christ is there ? He 
would make any place happy. I am afraid 
many live without any very distinct idea of 
heaven. They seem to think it rather de- 
sirable, upon the whole, to get there, but 
they are not ravished with the thoughts of 
heaven. Some seem so well satisfied with 
this world, as to be willing to remain here 
forever. But we ought to feel that heaven 
is worth striving for, and worth our burning 
all our life long at the stake. We become 
so engrossed with the cares of this world that 
we forget the future and here we stay indif- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 305 

ferent to an eternity of unspeakable joy. I 
wish we were more spiritually minded." 

Feb. 2. (Friday.) He expressed his 
anxiety for the church. To a brother pres- 
ent he said, " I fear the church will become 
indifferent to religious things. When they 
have no one to preach they ought to be 
more prayerful. I fear when the Shepherd 
is taken away the flock will be scattered. I 
have spoiled this church by doing so much 
for them ; no other man will be found who 
will be able to labor so much as I have. But 
all I can do is to pray for you. I leave you 
in the hands of Christ. Try to induce the 
church to continue in prayer to God." 

Feb. 3. (Saturday.) His health con- 
tinued to improve and he was able to sit up 
some hours during the day. 

Feb. 4 ; (Sabbath.) He expressed a 
great desire to preach. " O nothing can 
wean me from my people ; they are a part 
of myself." Some of the members of his 
church called, to whom he said, " I have not 
20 



306 MEMOIR OF 

been permitted to attend church to-day, bat 
it has been a precious season to my soul. 
Christ has manifested himself to me in an 
unusual manner. I have had a delightful 
season in prayer. I have been praying for 
this church, and I believe God will answer 
my prayer. Now, brethren, do endeavor 
to live more to the glory of God. Chris- 
tians are apt to be too worldly. If they 
loved Jesus Christ as much as their farms, 
this world would speedily become the Para- 
dise of God. What is this world compared 
with the glory of Christ ? When you come 
to stand on the confines of eternity the 
world will sink into its proper insignificance. 
O, how worthless it seems to me 1 I have 
done with the world ; the few remaining days 
of my life I shall spend in communing with 
heaven. I wish I could make Christians 
feel the importance of a higher standard of 
holiness." 

To one regretting that his health had not 
allowed him to preach that day, he said, 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 307 

" We ouijht to be thankful that we can en- 
joy the Sabbath if we can have no preaching. 
We can read the Bible and there is preach- 
ing enough if we will only attend to it. 
Christ preaches plain doctrines. I have of- 
ten thought that if I were cast upon an un- 
inhabited island and could have my Bible, 
1 would not complain ; I would make every 
day a Sabbath. But then I do not think I 
should be quite happy, for I should want 
every body to praise him." 

To a member of the church he said in 
the evening, " Well, brother, how have you 
enjoyed the Sabbath ? I thought of you to- 
day and desired to know how you felt. I 
want you to be faithful in the cause of 
Christ. Tell your children much about Je- 
sus that they may love him. Parents are 
too apt to delay making religious impressions 
upon the minds of their children until they 
become corrupted with sin. They think them 
unable to love Jesus Christ until they are 
almost men and women. This is a great 



308 MEMOIR OF 

mistake ; little children can very early be 
made to feel that they are sinners and need 
washing in the blood of Christ. They are 
easily affected at the story of the cross, and 
they will love the Saviour for his great kind- 
ness. I have known children quite young 
to die believing on Jesus, giving him 
glory. " O," said a child five years old to 
me, " I love Jesus more than my father or 
mother and am going to dwell with him in that 
happy place you told me about." And to 
her mother, * Do not weep for me, for I shall 
soon be happy with Jesus and you will come 
soon, for I have heard you pray to him, and 
I know he will bring you where I am go- 
ing.' 

Now christians ought to be encouraged 
and teach their children to read the Bible 
and to pray over it and when they die they 
will go to heaven. You should tell your chil- 
dren about httle Samuel and young Timothy; 
teach them to read the history of Joseph 
and, above all, the history of Jesus Christ.'' 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 309 

Towards evening he rose and dressed 
himself being very comfortable and symp- 
toms quite favorable. 

Feb. 5. (Monday.) Early this morning, 
Mr. Hidden was seized with the Typhus 
Fever and Hickups. It was now apparent 
to all that this would be his last sickness. 
He had become much debilitated and nature 
was wearincr out. 

o 

Feb. 6, 7. He continued to fail physi- 
cally but his intellect brightened and his 
spiritual joys increased as he approached the 
grave. Being asked if his mind enjoyed 
continued peace, " Peace ! yes it passeth all 
understanding. I am so happy that if my joy 
increases as it has some days past it will be 
insupportable. The view of the * Celestial 
City' which I continually enjoy is delightful ! 
Delightful! no ; that will not half express 
it. It is indescribable ; more than glori- 
ous !" 

To his wife he said, " You can have no 
idea of my joys. If I am to be happier in 



310 HEMOtB OF 

heaven than I am now, my capacity for en- 
joyment must be greatly increased. A mo- 
ment Hke this is worth a whole life of suffer- 
ing. I never imagined such enjoyment.'* 

Feb. 8. (Thursday.) He addressed his 
wife and children and others present in an 
affecting manner. To his second son he said, 
" George ! George ! What shall I say ? I 
must now leave you in your sins ! The thought 
almost breaks my heart ! This is the last 
time I shall warn you of your danger. You 
can yet be saved by believing on Jesus 
Christ. He has been merciful to you in not 
cutting you off in your rebellion against him. 
He still waits to be gracious ; his hand is 
stretched out and his blood is ready to wash 
your soul. O George I George ! My son, 
my son ! can you resist such love ? Can 
you crucify continually that Saviour ? Seek 
help of him and lead a new life. Your soul 
is precious. Must I be forever separated 
from you ! God forbid. No ! You must 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 311 

believe on Jesus Christ and be saved. I 
commend you to him." 

To some members of his church he said, 
" I can say to you as did Paul, Behold, 
I know that ye all, among whom I have 
gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall 
see my face no more. Wherefore I take you 
to record this day, that I am pure from the 
bloodof all men. For I have not shunned 
to declare unto you all the counsel of God, 
Therefore watch, and remember that by the 
space of forty-five years I ceased not to 
warn every one night and day with tears. 
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, 
and to the word of his grace, which is able 
to luild you up, and give you an inheritance 
among all them which are sanctified. I am 
willing to trust you in the hands of Jesus. 
Before long I trust to meet a great company 
of you in the church triumphant." 

To a young Christian he said ^^ Now, set 
your standard of piety high ; do not be satis- 
fied with living like most Christians. Be 



312 MEMOIR OF 

more humble and devoted. A humble 
Christian is the loveliest object in the sight 
of heaven. Humility so becomes us that I 
wonder we are not more desirous of being 
clothed with it, as with a garment. O how 
hateful a proud heart must be in the sight 
of heaven 1 What has the Christian to be 
proud of but the death of Christ ? Nothing. 
He may boast of this, but he should bow 
down in the dust in view of himself." Be- 
ing asked by Mrs. Hidden if he was in pain, 
" Pain ! pain ! What, in pain when going 
to heaven ? going where Jesus is ? I know 
nothing about pain. If you were going lo 
visit some dear friend do you think you 
could feel pain ? I am going to see Jesus 
and I am happy. Yes I can sing of grace. 
I am sustained by infinite Power. God's 
promises are sure. They never fail. It is 
wonderful that a being so sinful and un- 
worthy as I am should be permitted to ex- 
perience such happy hours. Christ died in 
unspeakable anguish. He bowed his blessed 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 313 

bead, and gave up the ghost on the cruel 
cross, but not a wave of trouble rolls across 
my breast, 

'Jesus can make a dying bed 
Peel soft as downy pillows are ; 
While on his breast 1 lean my head, 
And breath my life out sweetly there.' 

Yes, I lean my head On his breast and all 
is peace. 0, it is a blessed thing to trust 
entirely ifi Christ for support. I have no 
will of my own ; his will is mine, and I yield 
submissive and find he is present. This 
promise of God is wonderfully verified, and 
O, how precious it is to my soul ! * Thy 
sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy 
moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be 
thine everlasting light, and the days of thy 
mourning shall be ended.' The days of 
my mourning are ended and my sun does 
not decline. Jesus grants me light en- 
ough." 

Feb. 9. (Friday.) Notwithstanding the 



314 MEMOIR OF 

certainty that he must soon be in eternity, 
pleasantry would occasionally exhibit itself 
in his expressions. 

To his eldest son's wife presenting him 
some gruel, and saying she wished him to 
take it for it was very good, he said, ^'Well, 
I will say of your gruel as Mr. C — said of 
my preaching, it is the best of the kind." 

An aged member of the church coming 
into the room, he said, " I am glad to see 
you, brother Mason. To look upon you 
seems like seeing the old Apostle Paul. 
Come, brother, pray with us." 

After the prayer he said, " Well, we have 
prayed together a great many times, and 
soon we will praise together. Just see the 
wisdom of God in this ; first we must pray 
and then praise. This is the way I have 
found it through my whole life ; when I 
have been in trouble and doubt, I have al- 
ways prayed and soon all was joy. We 
cannot prize the privilege of prayer half high- 
ly enough. If we knew the value of pray- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 315 

er, we should pray every moment. Chris- 
tians first lose their love for Christ and then 
leave off praying, so that when you find a 
man who does not pray you will find a man 
that does not love. You never knew one to 
abandon the throne of grace until Christ was 
abandoned from his heart. When you have 
rudely forced your best friend out of your 
house, you will not ask a favor of him or de- 
sire to commune with him. Just so the 
Christian cannot pray to Jesus after he has 
thrust him from his heart, nor will he desire 
to hold communion with him. I wish Chris- 
tians would think more of this. They do 
not seem to realize that Christ is in their 
souls only while they enjoy a spirit of pray- 
er. We must pray i(y^e would enjoy. You 
have found this so by experience." Being 
asked if he desired to recover, he said, I have 
no desire about it. If I Hve, blessed be God, 
and if I die, glory to God. It is a blessed 
thing to lose our will and let Christ do as 
he sees best. If for me to live would most 



316 MEMOIR OF 

advance the cause of the Redeemer, I wish 
to live ; but if to die is his will, then it is 
my gain." 

He felt that ' man in his blindness, may 
mark out the destinies of his fellow-man, 
but it is the Creator alone who knows what 
is meet for the creature he has made. He 
plants the lily by the stream — the rose in 
the valley — and bay on the hill-side ; there 
they bloom for his glory, 

" Whose breath peffafhes them, 
And whose pencil paints." 

He felt that God knew infinitely better 
what was for his glory thati himself. Said 
he, " as God wills so I will. He does all 
things right." Men would not fear to die 
if they had implicit confidence in Christ. I 
have visited Christians just like Bunyan's 
" Mr. Despondency" and his daughter 
"Much-afraid." When they are just to cross 
the river they begin to take courage though 
they have been troublesome through all their 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 317 

pilgrimage. Let Christians rely on Jesus 
and they will have no despondency all their 
life long, and will be fearless of death. 
Christians should live so as to be ready to 
go whenever they are summoned. But this 
they can never do so long as they have a 
will of their own. O, it ip a blessed thing 
to be one with Christ iij ail things." 

Feb. 10. (Saturday,) Early in the niorn- 
ing he commenced singing the songs of Zion 
in which he had always delighted. He re- 
quested the members •of the choir belonging 
to the congregation .and all present to unite 
with him in this delightful exercise. He 
selected and sung the hymn commencing, 

" I'Jl praise my Maker with my breath ;" 

also the hymn, " Lo \ he comes ! with 
clouds descending ;' and some of the most 
ravishing Anthems, and Psalms such as 
'' Lift up your stately heads, ye doors I" 
" Make a joyful noise unto the Lord ;" " O 



318 MEMOIR OF 

come let us sing unto the Lord ;" — " Lift 
up your heads, eternal gates." 

He continued through almost the entire 
day to sing in angelic strains, notwithstand- 
ing the weakness of his body. Prayers were 
occasionally offered in w^hich he joined with 
deep interest." 

Feb. 11. (Sabbath.) His spiritual joys 
continued to increase. Mrs. Hidden saying 
to him that she was afraid it would injure 
him to sing so much, he replied, " I proba- 
bly shall not be tired singing when I get to 
heaven, and why should I not sing now ? 
This is heaven begun. I cannot refrain 
singing. I am a Christian ; and should I 
not praise God ? I am redeemed by the 
blood of Jesus ; and should I not give him 
glory ? I am an heir of glory ; and should I 
not shout aloud ? I am going to heaven and 
shall 1 not rejoice ? I shall through all eter- 
nity sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, 
saying, * Salvation to our God which sitteth 
upon the throne and unto the Lamb,' and 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 319 

shall I be silent now ? No ; while I have 
breath I will sing. I know my Redeemer 
liveth and I will triumph in his resurrection.. 
If I am going to the abodes of the blessed, 
ought I not to become familiar with their 
employment ?" 

He requested one to read the fifteenth 
chapter of the first of Corinthians, and as the 
tenth verse was read, '^ Yes," interrupted 
he, " by the grace of God 1 am what I am." 
He seemed filled with the liveliest emotions 
during the reading of the whole chapter, but 
when the latter part was heard, he exclaim- 
ed, raising his hands to heaven, " Death is 
swallowed up in victory ! O death, where 
is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victo- 
ry ? Thanks be to God, which giveth us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
O, sweet consolation ! Glorious hope ! 
Shout it angels. Let it ring through all the 
arches of heaven — " Death is swallowed 
up in victory 1" Come, let us sing. We 
must not be silent. This place is almost 



320 MEMOIR OF 

heaven." He desired a clergyman, who 
was about to offer prayer, to read the twen- 
ty-third Psalm ; " The Lord is my shep- 
herd, I shall not want," &z:c.,* also the nine- 
ty-first ; " He that dwelleth in the secret 
place of the Most High, shall abide under 
the shadow of the Almighty, &ic." " These 
are sweet portix)ns of God's words,*' he re- 
marked ; '^ 1 have feasted upon them many 
years.'* 

February 12. (Monday.) Being asked 
how heaven now appeared to him he re- 
plied, " O glorious ! inexpressibly glorious ! 
I am almost there. The sight is almost too 
dazzling for flesh and blood. Jesus Christ 
is more lovely than ever. 1 am ravished 
with the view !" He then sung with a 
countenance all radiant with extatic joy the 
hymn commencing, 

" Vital spark of heavenly flame ! 
Gluit, O quit tliis mortal frame ! 

His joy seemed complete. No language 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 321 

can adequately describe the scenes of this 
day. His soul struggled for release from 
clay, to expand itself and mount to the bo- 
som of God. To one saying to him that 
his joy seemed complete, he exclaimed, 
" Complete ! yes it is more than full ; it runs 
over. My soul has not room enough here. 
It wants to fly. It seems like a bird entang- 
led in the snare of the fowler. It will be 
released soon ; for heaven seems open, and 
I catch the strains of angels. They are 
waiting to welcome me to heaven. O glo- 
rious sight 1 Come, Lord Jesus, come 
quickly. 

'Haste my beloved, fetch my soul 
Up to thy bless'd abode, 
Fly, for my spirit longs to see 
My Saviour and my God.' 

Ah, I see him ! He comes ! He comes ! 

This vision is transporting. It is dazzling. 

How wonderful it is that one so unworthy 

should enjoy such a moment as this. It is 

21 



322 MEMOIR OF 

because Jesus has died and ascended to 
heaven. Come, let us sing with our last 
breath his love. Sing, brethren, do sing." 
Then he sung with lively emotions, 

"Angels, roll the rock away 1 

Death, yield up thy mighty prey," &c. 

To a clergyman who had sung with him 
until he was quite exhausted, he said, 
" Come, are you tired singing ? You must 
sing." He desired that the ninety-sixth 
Pslam, " O sing unto the Lord a new song ; 
sing unto the Lord all the earth," might be 
read ; also the one hundredth, " Make a 
joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands ;" 
and the one hundred and third, " Bless the 
Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me, 
bless his holy name." 

After a short sleep he awoke exclaiming, 
" Victory ! Glory ! He comes ! He comes!" 
He then commenced singing. Just before 
his death he said to his eldest son, " Just 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 323 

draw back the veil, and I am there,*' and 
while the words, 

" Angels, roll the rock away, 
Death yield up thj mighty prey," 

escaped his lips, the spirit took its triumph- 
ant flight to heaven, February 13, at one 
o'clock in the morning. 

" So farewell, 
Leader in Israel ! — thou whose radiant path 
Was like the angel's standing in the sun, 
Undazzled and unswerving — it was meet 
That thou shouldst rise to light without a cloud." 

On the following Wednesday, the funeral 
services were attended by a large concourse 
of people. Rev. Mr. Dodge of Moultonbo- 
rough preached on the occasion. His body 
was interred in the burying ground near the 
Meeting-house, amidst the great congrega^ 
tion of the dead, whom he had seen there 
consigned. 

A monument was erected, partly by the 



324 MEMOIR OF 

Church and partly by his eldest son, consis- 
ting of a slab of white marble, mounted up- 
on six granite pillars, bearing the following 
inscription : 

" Rev. Samuel Hidden, died Feb. 13, 
1837, aged 77 years, and in the 46 year of 
his ministry. He was born at Rowley, 
Mass. Feb. 22, 1760. Graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in August, and licensed to 
preach in Oct. 1791. Ordained upon a rock. 
Pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Tamworth, to which were added during his 
ministry 503. As a Christian, he was meek 
and humble, active, faithful, and devoted, 
with a heart and hand of expansive benevo- 
lence and hospitality. He was a pattern of 
literature, the friend and instructor of youth, 
and through life a distinguished lover of 
sacred music. In preaching the gospel his 
promptness, zeal, plainness, happy illustra- 
tions, and meltings of his heart for immortal 
souls rendered him beloved and respected by 
all. His long day was literally and cheer- 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 325 

fully spent in the service of his Lord and 
Master, and the hope of being soon with his 
Saviour God, inspired his triumphant excla- 
mation in death, " Just draw back the veil, 
and I am there," and tuned his enchanting 
lyre for his last song, 

" Angels, roll the rock away, 
Death yield up thy mighty prey." 

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in 
the first resurrection." 



326 MEMOIR OF 



APPENDIX 

The letters from which the following ex- 
tracts have been taken, owing to circum- 
stances over which Rev. Mr. Price, to whom 
they were addressed, had no control, were 
not received until most of the preceding 
pages went to press. For that reason they 
are here inserted. Mr. Hidden married a 
sister of Mr. Price. 

In answer to Mr. Price's letter informing 
him of his call to settle in the ministry at 
Belfast, Me., he writes, 

"Tamworth, Oct. 29, 1796. 

" As to your settling with the people at 
Belfast, I have not a word to say, either jwo 
or con, only that where you may be most 
useful, there I hope you may be settled by 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 327 

divine Providence. God's word and spirit, 
together with your own conscience, will af- 
ford direction in so important affair. 

We have had some sweet and delightful 
meetings of late in our neighborhood. These 
are refreshing to drooping souls. I rejoice 
to hear of God's work at the east. May it 
go to the west, south and north, even to the 
utmost bounds of the earth." 

" Apkil 11, 1797. 

Dear Brother, — I received your epistle 
with joy. We were glad to hear of your 
return to your people with safety. How 
rich are the bounties of Providence ! Let 
us praise his name and rejoice together. I 
hope he will carry us through all our trials 
and present us before his throne without spot 
and blameless. 

You desired me to inform you how it was 
with Capt. G. in his last hours. There was 
no alteration in his mind after you saw him. 



328 MEMOIR OF 

He was forty-eight hours in the agonies of 
death. 

His quiv'ring lips hang feebly down, 
His pulses faint and few ; 
Then speechless, with a doleful groan, 
He bade the world adieu. 

May his last agonies never be effaced 
from my memory. I have lost a valuable 
friend and the town a worthy citizen. How 
uncertain are all sublunary joys ! May we 
who preach then so, realize these things so 
as to meet our people at God's awful tribu- 
nal with an approving conscience and the 
smiles of our Judge." 

"May 6, 1797. 
I have just finished my sermons and now 
steal this moment to write you, my brother. 
Saturdays and Sabbaths are the happiest 
days I enjoy. A great dignity is put on us 
to speak in the name of the great Jehovah 
to those who are candidates for eternity. 



1 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 329 

May the Lord make us wise as serpents and 
harmless as doves. We need the patience 
of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the piety of 
David and the humility of Paul rightly to 
discharge our calling. But God is able to 
help us and the cause is his own." 

'^Sept. % 1797. 
May God grant us grace to stand in this 
evil day. It is a time of great declension 
here. Th& call is loud for the ministers of 
the Lord Jesus to be faithful in giving warn- 
ing, in order to free themselves from blood- 
guiltiness. To-mOrrow our Sacrament will 
be administered, and I hope we shall feel 
the influence of your prayers. Night before 
last we had a heavenly interview at Dea. 
Eastman's. I remember but one more 
delightful in all my life. What match- 
less condescension to vouchsafe to visit such 
worthless creatures ! How precious are 
such foretastes of the joys above. What 
would saints, and ministers especially, do 



330 MEMOIR OF 

without them. May God ever grant such 
seasons whenever we begin to feel faint and 
our spirits droop." 

Written after great afflictions. 

" March 20, 1798. 

God has supported me through a fatiguing 
winter, pregnant with trials in my own fami- 
ly and with those incident to the ministry. 
He has also kept me from sinking under the 
weight of my own corruptions. Join with 
me, my dear brother, in praising his holy 
name. 

You and I are engaged in the same great 
cause which requires the utmost exertion of 
every power and faculty ofour being as well 
as the powerful energies of divine grace. 
The farther we progress in this our calling, 
I imagine, we shall see more of the depravi- 
ty of the human heart, the stratagems of 
Satan, and the absolute necessity of an en- 
tire dependance on the aid of God's grace. 



SAMUEL HIDDEN. 331 

Our business is a self-denying employment ; 
but this we find true, viz : that the most self- 
denying duties, when rightly performed, af- 
ford the most exquisite pleasure. Hence 
the greatest encouragement to persevere and 
keep constantly in view Him who endured 
such contradiction of sinners against himself 
lest we be faint in our minds. Let us see 
that we have those qualifications which give 
a title to that promise, ^ Lo, I am with you 
always, even to the end of the world !' This 
will support us in the darkest hour and though 
Israel be not gathered, yet shall we be glo- 
rious in the eyes of the Lord. Let us then 
be faithful and endure hardness as good sol- 
diers, and fight the good fight and keep the 
faith, for our labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
May the great. Head of the Church endow 
you with every ministerial gift and cause 
you to shine with peculiar lustre in the can- 
dlestick where you are placed and crown 
your labors with great success." 



332 memoir of samuel hidden. 

'^ Tamworth, April 19, 1800. 
God has wrought wonders among us in 
the course of the past winter. We have had 
the greatest number of conversions accord- 
ing to the number of inhabitants, and the 
work has been the most rapid and regular of 
any I ever experienced. We have received 
into the church, with those who are now 
candidates, one hundred since last January. 
There are many more who, I hope, have re- 
ceived grace. You see what blessings we 
have received and how great are our obhga- 
tions to God. You can easily imagine our 
situation and will devoutly pray for the con- 
tinuance of the Spirit to perfect what he has 
begun here. I am, myself almost astonished 
at th6 display of divine grace. Blessed be 
God for^he Sheep and Lambs he has brought 
into his fold. All things are in his hands. 
He will keep what belongs to him by his 
mighty power through faith unto salva- 



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